Athletico-PR Defender Léo Derik Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Rape

Athletico-PR left-back Léo Derik has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by the 2nd Court of Domestic and Family Violence Against Women in Curitiba, according to reports from CNN Brasil. The player, whose full name is Leonardo Derik Dias Gonçalves, was convicted on two counts of rape against his former partner, with the judiciary establishing concurrent penalties of six years and six months for each charge alongside a R$ 20,000 compensation order.

Legal Status and Case Details

The judicial decision was handed down on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, by the Curitiba court, as detailed by CNN Brasil. Because the case involves domestic violence allegations, the legal proceedings move under a judicial secrecy order ("segredo de justiça"), which keeps the specific evidentiary documentation and the complete text of the sentence shielded from public view. The 13-year sentence represents a first-instance ruling, meaning the athlete retains the right to challenge the outcome through an appeal handled by his legal representation.

Athletico-PR Response and Squad Impact

In response to the legal development, Athletico Paranaense issued an official statement acknowledging the judicial ruling while emphasizing that the club is not a party to the litigation. According to CNN Brasil, the club’s statement read: "The Athletico Paranaense took note of the judicial decision involving the athlete Léo Derik. Because it is a process that runs under judicial secrecy, the club will not comment on its content nor the facts discussed therein. The decision is of first instance and is subject to appeal. The club takes no part in the process and will respect its regular course, observing the legal guarantees applicable until a final, unappealable judgment." Following the ruling, the club left the defender out of its matchday squad for an upcoming fixture against Red Bull Bragantino.

Athletic Background and Career Progression

Born in São Paulo, the 21-year-old defender developed his football through the youth system at Athletico-PR, eventually breaking into the senior squad. His professional debut occurred in January 2025 during a Campeonato Paranaense fixture against Rio Branco. Later that year, in September, he scored his first senior goal during a 3-2 victory over Chapecoense in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. Across his tenure with the Curitiba club, Léo Derik has accumulated 39 appearances for the professional team, including 24 matches played during the 2026 campaign, while operating primarily as an alternative option behind Argentine left-back Lucas Esquível.

International Experience with Brazil Under-20

The defender’s performances within Athletico’s youth ranks earned him international recognition in 2025, when he received a call-up to the Brazil Under-20 national team. He traveled with the squad to compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, participating in all three of Brazil’s group-stage fixtures. The South American side exited the tournament in the first round after drawing with Mexico and suffering defeats against Spain and Morocco.

Next Steps and Judicial Timeline

The legal process remains active at the appellate level as defense attorneys prepare challenges against the first-instance verdict from the Curitiba court. Meanwhile, Athletico-PR continues its campaign in the upper tier of the Campeonato Brasileiro standings under ongoing roster adjustments.