BRUNO Fernandes de Souza was convicted of having his ex-lover murdered and fed to his rottweilers after she asked for financial support for their baby son.
Here we take a look at the life and crimes of the former Flamengo goalie, which are explored in the Netflix documentary An Invisible Victim: The Eliza Samudio Case.
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Early career and rise to fame
Bruno Fernandes de Souza was born in Ribeirao das Neves, southeast Brazil on December 23, 1984.
He began his professional career as a goalkeeper in Brazil, quickly rising through the ranks and playing for top clubs including Atlético Mineiro, Corinthians and most notably Flamengo.
At Flamengo, Fernandes became a fan favorite and team captain, helping the club win multiple trophies between 2006 and 2010.
This silverware includes three consecutive Rio de Janeiro State Championships and the Brazilian Série A title in 2009.
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Meeting Eliza Samudio
In 2009, Fernandes met Eliza Samudio, a 25-year-old model and actress, at a party.
Their brief affair resulted in Eliza becoming pregnant.
But the relationship turned nasty when she refused Fernandes’ demands to have an abortion.
He became increasingly hostile towards Eliza when she sought financial support.
Fernandes held her at gunpoint and threatened her life, telling her she “didn’t know what he was capable of”.
However, Eliza continued to seek support for her baby, despite the sickening abuse she endured at Fernandes’ hands.
False pretences
In June 2010, Fernandes orchestrated the kidnapping, torture and murder of Eliza Samudio.
She was lured to the goalie’s house under false pretences.
Eliza endured six days of torture at the hands of Fernandes’ accomplices, including his wife.
Strangled, dismembered and fed to the dogs
After almost a week of sadistic abuse, Eliza was strangled to death.
Her body was then dismembered and fed to Fernandes’ rottweilers.
The disappearance of Eliza Samudio quickly became a media sensation.
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Fernandes and his accomplices were arrested as a mountain of evidence against them was gathered.
Flamengo suspended Fernandes’ contract and the club’s lawyers ceased to represent him in court.
Trial and conviction
In March 2013, Fernandes was found guilty for his role in ordering Eliza’s murder.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
The case shocked Brazil, sparking widespread discussions about violence against women and the cult of celebrity in sports.
Controversial release and return to football
In February 2017, after serving only six years and seven months, Fernandes was released on a technicality pending an appeal.
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Despite the controversy, he signed with a new club, Boa Esporte, soon after.
This led to several sponsors withdrawing their support from the club.
Fernandes said: “I thank the club president. He opened the doors for me and I need to be very grateful for the opportunity I have.
“The goal of the club is to go up to the first division of the Brazilian Championship and that is my goal now.
“The man can make plans, but whoever gives the final word is God. I came to help and not to think of myself.”
Re-arrest and semi-open prison
In April 2017, Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered Fernandes’ re-arrest.
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However, in July 2019 his sentence was converted to a semi-open sentence.
This allowed him to work outside during the day, while returning to prison at night — astonishingly meaning he could play professional football once more.
Continued football career
In March 2023, at the age of 38, Fernandes signed with Orion Futebol Clube in São Paulo.
The club announced the signing on social media, posting a picture of Fernandes with the caption “Backup for the position, welcome!”
This move reignited the debates and protests surrounding the player and his disturbing crimes.
Since his initial release, Fernandes has reportedly signed for seven different football clubs, including, Boa Esporte (2017), Poços de Caldas (2019), Rio Branco Football Club (2020), Atlético Carioca (2021) and Orion Futebol Clube (2023) .
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Mental health coaching aspirations
In 2023, Fernandes announced his intention to become a mental health coach for elite athletes and teams.
According to reports, he has even completed intensive studies to practise his new profession.
An Invisible Victim: The Eliza Samudio Case
Netflix released An Invisible Victim: The Eliza Samudio Case on September 26, 2024.
The documentary sheds new light on this tragic story, while giving more of a voice to Eliza, who’s often overshadowed by the notoriety of her killer.
The film also explores the systemic issues surrounding the horrific crime, as well as the ongoing impact it has made on Eliza’s family, particularly her son.