A murdered Brazilian football star, found "almost beheaded", with "genitals cut"

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

A professional Brazilian footballer was found dead in a bush over the weekend after being tortured, almost "beheaded" and with "his genitals cut off".

The body of Daniel Correa Freitas, 24-year-old Sao Paulo star, was discovered in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, a city in the state of Parana, in southern Brazil.

The Brazilian police opened an investigation into the death and, according to local reports, Freitas died of gunshot wounds.

The police would not immediately disclose more details of the case.

However, according to a detailed report published in a Brazilian newspaper B and BFreitas had been a victim of "torture".

Quoting a municipal guard, the report says: "As soon as the body appeared, it was a very violent situation.

"The man had two deep cuts in his neck, was almost beheaded and his genitals were severed."

The body was found by people walking around.

The report also states that the road where Freitas' body was found is known for the spawning of corpses.

"All indications are that the man was executed here on the street and dragged about 30 meters," the report says.

Freitas started his career in Cruzeiro and played for Botafogo for two years before signing for Brazilian Sao Paulo, winner of the championship six times, in 2015.

The offensive midfielder was however loaned to other second-tier Brazilian formations after failing to impress.

Freitas spent the first half of 2018 at Ponte Preta but failed to qualify for the club, while he played only three appearances at a loan of seven months in Coritiba in 2017.

Sao Paulo said in a statement that they "deplore the death of Daniel and offer their support to his friends and family at this time of suffering."

Sao Bento said the club "stands with the family and friends of the player at a time of deep sadness".

No arrests were made.