Régis Pitbull, the Former Corinthians Player Living on the Streets and Addicted to Crack
Régis Fernandes da Silva, known as Régis Pitbull, once played for Corinthians and Vasco da Gama and looked set to become a Brazilian football star. Today, at 49, he lives on the streets of Sao Paulo, is addicted to crack and has lost his home and his family. Journalist Emilio Botta found him after former teammates from an amateur side raised the alarm.
ByJavi
4 min read
The story of Régis Fernandes da Silva, better known as Régis Pitbull, shows the darkest side of Brazilian football. The former Corinthians and Vasco da Gama player once seemed destined to rank among the great talents of his generation, but a crack addiction dragged him into homelessness. At 49, he lives in a makeshift tent built with cardboard and tarpaulins on the streets of Sao Paulo, without a home and cut off from his family.
- Régis Pitbull played for Corinthians and Vasco da Gama and was tipped to become a Brazilian football star.
- He is addicted to crack and has lived on the streets of Sao Paulo since losing his home in December 2025.
- A Brazilian journalist located him after former amateur teammates raised the alarm.
- He flatly refuses any help: 'I don't want anyone to know I exist.'
- He survives on coffee and food donated by a restaurant near his camp.
From Brazilian Football Prospect to Living Among Garbage in Sao Paulo
During his playing years, Régis shared an era with names that went on to become global stars such as Ronaldinho, Marcelo and Neymar. His talent opened the doors of two of Brazil's biggest clubs, Corinthians and Vasco da Gama, and everything suggested his career would go much further. But the arrival of crack changed everything.
If they think I'm dead, that's better. I don't want anyone to know I exist.
The Crack Addiction That Destroyed His Career and Family
Régis himself openly admits he is addicted to crack. That dependence gradually took everything from him: professional football, his home and contact with his family. Of all the properties he once owned, only one remained, but he had to leave it in December 2025 after attacking the building manager. Since then, his life has unfolded on the street.
How Journalist Emilio Botta Found Régis Pitbull
Brazilian journalist Emilio Botta tracked him down after several former teammates who had played alongside Régis in an amateur side raised the alarm about his situation. He found him surrounded by garbage and useless objects, in the camp he has set up opposite a restaurant. There he survives on coffee and on food donated by the establishment.
Corinthians Fans Try to Help, but He Refuses
Régis has not gone unnoticed by Corinthians supporters, the club he says he is a huge fan of. According to the former footballer himself, several fans approached him on Sunday to talk and offered their support. However, he flatly refuses that help and says he would rather be considered dead than accept any kind of assistance.
The Daily Routine of Régis Pitbull on the Streets of Sao Paulo
His day-to-day life comes down to two activities. On one hand, he rides his bicycle without any fixed direction, as his only escape. On the other, he spends the rest of the time lying in the tent he has improvised with cardboard and tarpaulins, watching the hours and days go by and expecting nothing to change. An existence marked by loneliness and resignation.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Régis Pitbull and which clubs did he play for?
Régis Fernandes da Silva, nicknamed Régis Pitbull, is a 49-year-old former Brazilian footballer who played for Corinthians and Vasco da Gama. He was considered a promising talent in Brazilian football, but his career was cut short by his crack addiction.
Why does Régis Pitbull live on the street?
He lives on the street because crack made him lose his career, his home and his family. In December 2025 he had to leave the last property he owned after attacking the building manager.
Does Régis Pitbull accept help from fans and former teammates?
No. Although Corinthians fans and some former teammates have tried to help him, he flatly refuses. He has said he would rather be considered dead and that he doesn't want anyone to know he exists.