Goalkeeper Bruno is regularized with the CBF and will debut for Vasco-AC in the Copa do Brasil
Former Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno, convicted of murder, is set to debut for Vasco-AC in the Copa do Brasil after being regularized by the CBF.
Goalkeeper Bruno, aged 41 and formerly of Flamengo, is making a return to Brazilian football after serving a 22-year sentence for the triple homicide of model Eliza Samudio. His signing with Vasco-AC sees him ready to take to the field against Velo Clube in the first phase of the Copa do Brasil. His registration with the CBF's Daily Informative Bulletin (BID) has cleared him for action with the new team, marking a significant comeback for the controversial player.
This will not be Bruno's first stint in Acre football; he previously played for Rio Branco in 2020, where he participated in various local competitions. His arrival has not been without its challenges—immediately following the announcement of his signing, local businesses, such as a supermarket chain, began withdrawing sponsorships due to the backlash surrounding his past. Furthermore, the previous coach who was to work with the women's team severed ties with the club, indicating the community's divided feelings regarding his return.
In September 2020, Bruno was required to wear an electronic ankle monitor, symbolizing the complex and ongoing discourse around redemption and second chances in sports. His re-entry into competitive football continues to raise questions about athlete conduct, public sentiment, and the representation of controversial figures in professional sports, spotlighting broader social issues in Brazil surrounding violence and justice.