Bruno Avelar, 41, dies in Santa Catarina helicopter crash, close to Neymar and linked to Santos | OneFootball

Businessman and speaker Bruno Avelar, 41, has died in a helicopter crash in Santa Catarina. He was known for close ties to Neymar and links to Santos.

According to Globo.com, Avelar worked with entrepreneurs and figures from sport and entertainment, and in recent years grew close to the Neymar family. He hosted the Instituto Neymar Jr charity auctions.

Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, he styled himself online as a specialist in networking, sales, business, entrepreneurship and personal development. His profiles frequently showed him with Neymar and Neymar’s father.

After making the record bid at Neymar’s auction in 2023, he said he was invited to present the 2024 edition, then he led the 2025 event too. In January this year he honoured Neymar’s father at an awards event he organised, saying he was treated like a son.

Neymar’s father later praised their friendship and said Avelar had encouraged him to go on stage, having long preferred to stay in the background.

This year Avelar posted photos of Neymar, expressed hope of seeing him at the World Cup and celebrated his call-up. He travelled to the United States for the tournament, and Neymar later thanked him and wished him peace.

Avelar said he helped bring sponsors to Santos, including Loovi Seguros, which appeared on the shirt in 2025. He also worked on the EQR Capital agreement last year, and played as a guest in a friendly at Vila Belmiro against Neymar.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”