Brazil and Santos striker Neymar issued a public apology on Instagram to his then-pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi after a cheating scandal involving adult star Fernanda Campos. The apology, posted to his 210 million followers, garnered seven million likes within hours.
Details of the Affair
Fernanda Campos claimed she spent the night with Neymar in a luxury apartment in Sao Paulo. According to Fernanda, Neymar started flirting with her over Instagram during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Neymar claimed at the time that his relationship with Bruna was going through a rocky patch, but he allegedly continued sending Fernanda messages and video-calling her into 2023.
Fernanda told Brazilian media she had no idea Neymar was still with his girlfriend and only found out the next day, after Neymar shared photos of the couple on social media to mark Lovers' Day. She felt used and called him "shady" for hiding his relationship with Bruna, stressing she had only met him once and had no intention of seeing him again.
The Public Apology
In his Instagram statement, Neymar wrote: "I do this for both of you and your family. Justifying the unjust. It was not needed, but I need you in OUR life. I saw how much you were exposed, how much you suffered through all of this and how much you want to be by my side. And me right beside you."
He continued: "I risk saying I fail everyday, on and off the field. Only I solve my mistakes in my personal life at home, in my intimacy with my family and friends. All of this hit one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of walking next to me, mother of my child. It has hit his family."
Addressing Bruna directly, he said: "Bru, I already apologized for my mistakes, for unnecessary exposure, but I feel obligated to come publicly reaffirm that. If a private matter has become public, the apology has to be public. I can't imagine myself without you. I don't know if we're going to work out, but TODAY you sure do want to try. Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will win, our love for each other will strengthen us. I love you."
Aftermath and Reconciliation
Following the apology, the couple welcomed their daughter Mavie on October 6, 2023. However, a month later, Bruna announced on Instagram that they were no longer together, stating: "I inform you that I am not in a relationship. We are Mavie's parents, and that is the reason for our bond."
In July 2024, Neymar welcomed a second daughter, Helena, with Amanda Kimberlly. By the end of 2024, after a period of co-parenting that included trips abroad, Neymar and Bruna reconciled and spent Christmas together. Rumours then circulated that they were expecting a second child together, and they welcomed another daughter, Mel, in July 2025. Since then, the couple have claimed they are married despite no official wedding ceremony, with Bruna telling social media followers they are "married on paper."
Neymar's World Cup Return
Neymar was a shock selection for the Brazil squad while nursing an injury that kept him out of the opening two group games. He made a 14-minute cameo in the 3-0 win against Scotland and hopes to feature in the round of 16 against Norway after remaining an unused substitute in the round of 32 win over Japan.
