SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Mexican football star Omar Bravo, 45, has been arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse, according to authorities in Jalisco state.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office said preliminary investigations suggest that Bravo allegedly abused a teenage girl multiple times in recent months and may have been involved in similar incidents in the past.
Bravo was reportedly detained during an operation in the municipality of Zapopan and is expected to appear before a court in the coming days.
Once celebrated as one of Mexico’s top strikers, Bravo achieved fame with Chivas de Guadalajara, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. He also represented Mexico’s national team at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Attempts by the Associated Press to reach Bravo’s legal representatives were unsuccessful.
Following reports of his arrest, fans flooded Bravo’s Instagram account, where his most recent post, dated September 8, made no mention of the allegations. Some followers expressed shock and disappointment, while others voiced support, calling him their “idol” and hoping the claims prove false.
The Jalisco prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
