Helton, former FC Porto star accused of domestic violence

Former FC Porto goalkeeper Helton Arruda has been charged with domestic violence by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), Público reported, and a source from the Attorney General's Office confirmed to Observador. An indictment was issued as part of an investigation, and the former player will now face criminal charges before the Porto Department of Investigation and Criminal Prosecution (DIAP).

The acts alleged against Helton allegedly occurred during an extramarital affair the Brazilian maintained for at least ten years alongside his marriage. To arrive at the accusation, the Public Prosecutor's Office interviewed the victim and several witnesses, as well as the player himself, who, according to Público, was the target of searches and seizures. If the acts are proven, the former FC Porto player risks serving a prison sentence .

Helton Arruda is one of 54 former players who are part of the Liga Portugal ambassadors, a team of former athletes who contribute to the promotion of Portuguese football, according to the league.

A product of Vasco da Gama's Brazilian academy, the former goalkeeper arrived at FC Porto in 2005 from União de Leiria. While playing for the Dragons, he became a star for the club, playing 334 matches— he is the 11th most capped player for Porto and the second most capped goalkeeper, behind only Vítor Baía.

He was crowned national champion seven times, won the Super Cup six times, the Portuguese Cup four times and also lifted the Europa League trophy in 2011. He returned to the pitch a few years after leaving FC Porto, having retired after a final season at União de Leiria, in 2020/21.