Brazil's new football talent survives near-fatal burns to chase dream

Bernardo Lopes on Botafogo's training ground on Sept. 27, 2025. Photo by Botafogo

At just one year and two months old, Lopes accidentally spilled boiling water from a kettle, suffering burns across his head, face and multiple parts of his body. Doctors in Rio de Janeiro said that he is unlikely to survive. Miraculously, after seven months of hospitalization, extensive burn treatment and skin grafts, Lopes pulled through, Tribuna reported.

The accident left much of his head unable to grow hair and his face marked with scars, leading to initial apprehension from those around him. Yet his natural talent for football became his silver lining.

Guided by his uncle Rodrigo, Lopes honed his skills through street football and local tournaments before joining the Menino de Ouro football school.

His determination and skill recently caught the attention of scouts from Botafogo, the three-time Brazilian champions and reigning Copa Libertadores winners. After an impressive trial at Nilton Santos Stadium, named after the two-time World Cup winner, Lopes signed with the Botafogo academy for the U-11 team.

"Sport always has a place for those who believe and give their all," wrote news outlet Corriere della Sera. "A new beginning that is hard to believe in but is real."

If his development continues, Lopes could eventually break into Botafogo's first team, coached by Davide Ancelotti, son and assistant of Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.