Former Top Mexican Soccer Player Omar Bravo Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Over the weekend, a multi-agency operation in Jalisco, Mexico, led to the arrest of Omar Bravo Tordecillas, a former professional soccer player who represented the Mexican national team and played for nine clubs, most notably Chivas de Guadalajara. He was taken into custody on Saturday for his alleged involvement in aggravated child sexual abuse.

The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office said investigators believe Bravo, 45, abused a teenage girl on multiple occasions in recent months and may have committed similar acts in the past.

Bravo was arrested on Oct. 4 during an operation in the municipality of Zapopan. He will remain in pretrial detention until Oct. 10, when a judge is scheduled to decide whether the case will proceed to trial.

Bravo appeared in court for his initial hearing the following day. There, the judge determined there was sufficient cause to keep him in custody while the investigation moves forward.

According to local outlets, Bravo declined to testify during the hearing. His attorney also avoided speaking with reporters outside the Guadalajara courthouse, where the former player was formally accused.

According to El País, the person who filed the complaint alleges the abuse began in 2019, when she was just 11 years old. The complaint was filed on Sept. 30 with the Office of Specialized Investigation into Crimes Against Women, Girls, Boys and Adolescents, which noted the victim had allegedly been subjected to sexual touching, inappropriate advances, and threats of violence.

TheDallas Morning News also quoted sources close to the case, who said the prosecution has gathered 42 photographs, two videos, multiple witness statements, and the testimony of the alleged victim, who is now 17.

Under the Jalisco Penal Code, child sexual abuse carries a sentence of between three months and five years when the victim is at least 15 years old. However, the penalty can increase to up to 18 years if the accused is also found to have engaged in harassment, seduction or manipulation.

On Sunday, Bravo was transferred to Puente Grande prison in Jalisco, where he remains in custody under the authority of a local judge while the investigation continues.

Bravo had a nearly 20-year professional career, primarily with Chivas, where he scored 160 goals to become the club's all-time leading scorer. He also represented Mexico at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.