Footballer Paqueta Overcomes Betting Scandal, Focuses on Football

As of November 14th, 2025, Brazilian footballer Lucas Paqueta has moved past a betting scandal that had plagued him for the past two years. While he was found guilty of breaching lesser charges related to the investigation, Paqueta ultimately faced no financial or sporting sanctions, allowing him to concentrate on his football once more.

Paqueta has described the past two years as a "very difficult time" not only for himself but also for his family. He and his wife went through a "painful" ordeal, but the experience ultimately strengthened their marriage and family. Paqueta had psychological support to help him deal with the problems, and he is now relieved to be able to play "a little lighter again, without this weight, without this fear."

One significant consequence of the betting case was the loss of a potential transfer to Premier League giants Manchester City. Paqueta revealed that he was likely to have signed with City the week he received the letter from the Football Association, but the ongoing investigation led to the deal being shelved. Professionally, Paqueta says he "lost that, that transfer, a leap in my career" due to the "fear of this indecision, the uncertainty of my future."