Santos fan and influencer Naty Potira has died aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Brazilian club Santos, who called her an "eternal supporter".
Club and Neymar pay tribute
Santos said in a statement: "It is with great sorrow that Santos FC announces the death of our eternal supporter, Naty Potira. Natalia was a flight attendant who always showed her love for the club. Thank you, Naty. Thank you for everything you did for the club and for everyone who loved you."
Santos legend Neymar shared his own message: "Rest in peace. Cheer for us from up there."
Health battle and diagnosis
Naty, whose full name was Natalia Potiraporã Martins da Conceição, worked as a flight attendant before building a following of more than 465,000 with match reactions and jokes about Santos. She lived in São Paulo, Brazil.
She discovered she had cervical cancer during routine tests in 2023. After initially being told she was clear, the disease returned as a metastasis in 2024. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy cleared tumours in her neck and cervix, but the cancer later spread through her abdomen. She was admitted to Hospital Leforte in late August and was sedated on 20 September.
Personal messages and legacy
Her partner, Guilherme Kastner, a Santos TV producer, said: "My best friend. The great love of my life has gone to rest. I love you forever."
In May this year, she met Neymar and was given one of his shirts. She wrote: "I lived a dream! Receiving the affection of an idol was an unreal surprise." She said she froze and then cried afterwards, quoting him: "God bless you. It will be all right. Stay strong."
After Santos beat Corinthians 1-0 on 30 August, Neymar filmed a dressing-room clip for her. "I hope you saw it and liked it. This victory is for you," he said. While she was sedated, he sent another video: "Hi Naty, just sending a kiss and to say our side is flying. Stay with God, we're together. Stay strong, warrior."
She had been an ambassador for the 2026 São Paulo State Championship and took part in the club's Pink October cancer drives.
