Bruno, a goalkeeper previously convicted of murder, debuted for Vasco-AC but could not save the team from elimination in the Copa do Brasil after a penalty shootout.
Bruno, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the premeditated murder of model Eliza Samudio in 2010, returned to Brazilian football on Thursday (19) as he debuted for Vasco-AC in a match against Velo Clube in the first round of the Copa do Brasil. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, leading to penalties where the São Paulo team won 3-2 despite Bruno saving two penalty kicks and scoring one of his own. This match marked Bruno's reentry into professional football after his controversial past.
Vasco-AC, with Bruno as a key player, faced significant challenges beyond just their opponent. Their team was missing four players who are currently incarcerated, facing allegations of a serious crime that involved the assault of two women just days before the game. The absence of these players likely impacted the team's overall performance and morale during this crucial match.
Despite the loss, the team that progressed to the next round, Vila Nova-GO, will benefit from a financial prize of R$ 830,000. This match has drawn attention not only for Bruno's role but also for the ongoing issues surrounding legal troubles within Brazilian football, highlighting the intersection of crime, athletes' pasts, and the sport's reputation.
