They stole my island! Tottenham star accuses Brazilian presidential candidate of a €1.6 million scandal
An extraordinary scandal has erupted in Brazil, involving a Premier League star and one of the country's most powerful politicians. Tottenham forward Richarlison has publicly accused presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro of involvement in the loss of his private island, claiming that millions of reais disappeared without any compensation.
Details: According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, Richarlison has called for an investigation into Flávio Bolsonaro and lawyer Willer Tomaz over a property dispute involving an island in Angra dos Reis, near Rio de Janeiro. The 29 year old striker claims he invested approximately R$10 million in the property between 2020 and 2021. He alleges that Bolsonaro expressed interest in acquiring the island, but after Richarlison refused to sell, the property was transferred through legal proceedings without him receiving compensation. Bolsonaro denies involvement in the disputed transfer, while Tomaz rejects the footballer's allegations and disputes his ownership claims.
Richarlison revealed the allegations in an emotional video published on social media. The Brazilian international explained that he became involved in the purchase of the island several years ago, investing a substantial amount of money in what he believed would become his property. According to his account, Flávio Bolsonaro later expressed interest in acquiring the location, but the footballer was unwilling to sell. The situation subsequently developed into a lengthy legal dispute over ownership and possession.
The Tottenham striker claims the property was effectively taken from him through legal proceedings involving Bolsonaro and businessman and lawyer Willer Tomaz. Richarlison alleges that the transfer of possession happened within approximately 24 hours after a decisive judicial development. He expressed outrage that, despite claiming to have invested R$10 million, he had received no reimbursement. The footballer believes the circumstances deserve scrutiny from Brazil's Federal Police and has publicly demanded an investigation.
However, the case is considerably more complicated than a straightforward allegation of theft. According to UOL, Richarlison was involved in the property through an arrangement with businessman Alencar da Silveira Júnior and former agent Renato Velasco. The ownership dispute continued for several years and involved competing claims over the land's legal status. Courts ruled against the company associated with the footballer during earlier proceedings, while a related case ended in 2025. These legal developments are disputed by Richarlison, who believes that the process deprived him of an investment he had made in good faith.
Willer Tomaz has categorically rejected the allegations. The lawyer publicly challenged Richarlison to present documentation proving that he legally owned or possessed the property before July 2022. Tomaz said that if the player supplied the necessary documents within 72 hours, he would arrange for the property to be transferred to him without charge. The lawyer also maintains that the company currently controlling the island obtained its rights legally. Flávio Bolsonaro has likewise denied taking part in the alleged seizure, describing his connection with Tomaz as a personal friendship.
The controversy has become particularly sensitive because Bolsonaro is currently a presidential candidate in Brazil. Richarlison's accusations have attracted attention beyond the sports media, bringing the property dispute into the country's political debate. Nevertheless, the accusations remain contested, and the footballer's public statements do not establish that Bolsonaro committed a crime. Determining whether any unlawful conduct occurred would require evidence examined through the appropriate legal and investigative procedures.
It's worth noting that Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in July 2022 and has represented Brazil at major international tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup. The 29 year old forward says he invested approximately R$10 million in the disputed island and has received no financial return. The property is currently controlled by a company associated with Willer Tomaz, while Richarlison continues to demand scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding its transfer.
Reminder: Unexpected! Tottenham star wants to leave the club right now.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
