Everson revealed on social media that some Atlético Mineiro fans harassed his 13-year-old daughter, vowing to take the matter to court.
Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson has brought to light a disturbing incident that has shaken Brazilian football.
Following his team’s 1-1 draw with Santos on Sunday in a match valid for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, the player revealed on social media that his 13-year-old daughter was harassed by individuals who claimed to be supporters of the club. The event took place in the Arena MRV parking area, the section specifically designated for players and their families, and it has sparked outrage both within Atlético and across the wider football community.
According to Everson, a group of fans gathered in the stadium garage after the final whistle, visibly frustrated with the result and eager to confront the players. While confrontation and criticism are not unusual in the high-pressure environment of Brazilian football, what happened next crossed every line of decency. In his statement, Everson made clear that the insults and intimidation were not directed solely at him or his professional performance, but tragically at his daughter, a minor who had nothing to do with the events on the pitch.
“Today, after the game, in the parking lot where families park their cars, there were some people confronting us about the result,” Everson wrote in an emotional post. “However, some individuals claiming to be supporters of the club I dedicate myself to every day harassed my daughter. These were not insults directed at me or my work, but personal harassment, and why not call it sexual harassment, of a 13-year-old girl. I am sure everyone agrees that families have nothing to do with football criticism, and how serious it is to attack a child. I leave here my indignation, and rest assured that we will seek legal action so that this act does not go unpunished.”
His words reflect the anger and frustration of a father, but also highlight a broader issue in Brazilian football: the often blurred line between passionate support and unacceptable aggression. While criticism of players is part of the sport, the harassment of families especially children underscores how toxic fan behavior can sometimes become.
The incident has provoked a strong reaction from Atlético Mineiro itself. The club quickly released an official statement expressing solidarity with Everson and his family, stressing that what happened does not represent the true spirit of the Galo fan base. “Atlético expresses its support for goalkeeper Everson, whose 13-year-old daughter was harassed today outside the Arena MRV. This behavior is unacceptable and does not represent the Galo supporters. The club will cooperate with security authorities to identify those responsible and hold them criminally accountable, and it will also adopt the appropriate administrative measures, based on the Arena MRV Regulations,” read the statement.
This declaration reflects a growing awareness within Brazilian clubs of the need to protect not only their players but also the families who support them from the stands and beyond. The Arena MRV, Atlético’s state-of-the-art new home, was designed to be a symbol of safety and progress, but this incident has raised questions about security protocols, especially in private areas where families should feel secure. The club’s commitment to cooperate with authorities and apply strict administrative measures could serve as a turning point in how such incidents are addressed.
For Everson personally, this episode comes at a delicate moment in his career. The goalkeeper, who has been a key figure for Atlético since joining in 2020, has faced ups and downs on the pitch but has always maintained professionalism and loyalty to the club. His open denunciation of the harassment shows not only his concern as a father but also his determination to confront broader social issues that plague football culture. By choosing to go public and to announce his intention to take legal action, he has shifted the conversation from mere sporting disappointment to the much more serious topic of respect, dignity, and safety for players’ families.
The case also highlights a recurring theme in Brazilian football: the sometimes toxic pressure that players and their families endure. Incidents of harassment, threats, and intimidation are not uncommon, but the direct targeting of children represents a new low that has been widely condemned. Commentators and fans across social media have expressed solidarity with Everson, calling for stronger measures to punish offenders and ensure that stadiums remain spaces of passion and celebration, not hostility and danger.
As the investigation progresses, attention will be focused on whether the authorities and Atlético Mineiro can identify those responsible and apply meaningful punishment. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases and send a message that harassment, particularly of minors, will not be tolerated in Brazilian football.
Ultimately, Everson’s decision to speak out has not only exposed the traumatic experience endured by his daughter but has also forced the football world to confront uncomfortable questions about the culture surrounding the sport. While the result against Santos may quickly be forgotten in the endless rhythm of the Brasileirão, this incident is likely to resonate far longer, serving as a reminder that the love of football must never come at the cost of basic respect and human decency.
