Former Hertha Berlin player Luiz Carlos Bombonato Goulart, known as Luizão, is under investigation following an incident in Brazil. The 50-year-old denies allegations that he attacked his girlfriend Luana Côrte (43) and has filed a police report against her, according to the German tabloid Bild.
The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in Maresias, a coastal town near São Paulo. According to the police report, an argument broke out between Luizão and his girlfriend during a jealousy dispute. The accusations against the former football professional include domestic violence, psychological violence, assault, threat, and injury. Luana Côrte was taken to the Legal Medical Institute (IML) to document her injuries.
Luizão contests this version of events. He stated that he was the one attacked and subsequently filed a counter-report with the police. The former striker requested a physical examination and declared he would not disclose further details during the ongoing investigation. His current situation stands in stark contrast to his time in Berlin, which fans can trace in our historical squad overview.
In an initial statement, Luizão firmly rejected the accusations made against him. "I trust that the evidence and the investigations will clarify what really happened. I reject any form of aggression against women and trust in justice," the 50-year-old said. He emphasized his confidence in the Brazilian legal system and the clarification of the case by the competent authorities.
The police investigation in São Paulo is currently ongoing. Both parties have filed official reports, complicating the matter. It is not yet clear what evidence investigators gather and how the public prosecutor's office will respond. The case is a reminder of how quickly a professional athlete's life can develop after retirement.
Luizão played for Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga from 2002 to 2004. During this time, the forward made 26 league appearances for the club and scored four goals. His spell in the German capital marked a late highlight in a varied career that took him to numerous clubs. In total, Luizão was under contract with 16 different clubs before ending his active career in 2010.
His career stops included, besides Hertha Berlin, notable clubs such as São Paulo FC, Hamburger SV, and Werder Bremen. With the Brazilian national team, he won the 2002 World Cup, an achievement that made him internationally known. The current Hertha BSC squad, competing in the 2. Bundesliga, can be found in our up-to-date squad list. The club currently holds a mid-table position in the standings table.
Luizão's immediate future depends on the investigation results in Brazil. If the serious allegations against him are substantiated, the 2002 world champion faces legal consequences. If, however, his version of events is confirmed, the case could end without further repercussions for him. The Brazilian judiciary treats cases of domestic violence with great attention.
For Hertha Berlin, Luizão's former club, the matter is a personal affair of an ex-player without direct sporting implications. The club is currently focused on its sporting tasks in the 2. Bundesliga. The next competitive match for the Berliners is on September 12, 2026, against FC St. Pauli calendar.
