Brazilian footballer Jeferson Merli passes away at 27 after drowning in Portugal river with girlfriend
Goalkeeper Jeferson Merli has died at just 27 years old. He disappeared while swimming with his girlfriend in the Homem River at Terras de Bouro, in the Peneda-Geres National Park, in north-west Portugal, at about 6 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Emergency services were called immediately, but after a search lasting over three hours, his body was recovered around 9:30 pm the same day. Merli lived in Braga, about 30 km away, and played as goalkeeper for Grupo Desportivo Caldelas, where he had just renewed his contract in July 2025.
Jeferson Merli drowns while swimming with girlfriend in Portugal river
On Saturday, August 2, Jeferson Merli and his girlfriend went for a swim in the Homem River at a popular river beach near Terras de Bouro, roughly 30 km north of Braga in northern Portugal.
Around 6 pm, he slipped underwater and did not resurface.
— MailSport (@MailSport)
His girlfriend raised the alarm immediately. Rescue teams joined firefighters and divers, searching until about 9:30 pm, when Merli's body was found. Local reports noted that this artificial beach in Peneda-Geres National Park is beautiful but can be dangerous due to hidden currents and deep water.
Brazilian goalkeeper Jeferson Merli remembered after tragic death in Terras de Bouro
Jeferson Merli was born in Vista Alegre do Alto, near Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo state, Brazil.
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He began in Brazilian football with Uniao, from Mato Grosso do Sul in 2019. Soon after, he moved to Europe, playing for Safor in Spain. In Portugal, he wore the jerseys of Condor, Aguias da Graça, Lage, Terras de Bouro, and finally GD Caldelas, his club from 2024 until his death.
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On July 2025, Caldelas confirmed he renewed his deal, expressing confidence in his future. Following his death, the club released a heartfelt note:
'Jeferson… leaves us not only his dedication on the pitch, but also the friendship, professionalism and spirit of togetherness that always distinguished him… Our club will never forget his commitment and the mark he left on all of us.
Rest in peace, Jeferson.'
Other clubs in the Braga area also offered condolences. In Brazil, Gremio Ourinhos, where Merli had played as a youth, shared emotional memories of him as a standout goalkeeper in 2016. His former coach Daniel Augusto Galo remembered him as humble and full of dreams, often talking about making it in European football.
Jeferson Merli's passing is a deep shock to his club, teammates, and fans. He had recently renewed his contract and seemed set for more growth. But a relaxing day in the river turned into a tragedy no one expected.
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