Brazilian football legend Zico, 71, fell victim to a sophisticated robbery in Paris on July 25, 2024, losing valuables estimated at €500,000 (approximately R$3 million). The incident occurred as Zico, who was in Paris as an ambassador for the Brazilian Olympic team ahead of the 2024 Games, was leaving his hotel in the 19th arrondissement to take a taxi.According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the operation was meticulously planned. As Zico placed his briefcase in the taxi’s trunk, one individual distracted the driver while an accomplice swiftly removed the bag. The stolen items included a Rolex watch, a diamond necklace, €2,000 and $2,000 in cash.The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the theft, with the case being handled by the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (BRB) of the Paris judicial police. However, a source close to the investigation suggested that the reported value of the stolen items might be ‘grossly overestimated’.Zico took to social media to confirm the incident, stating that he and his wife Sandra are safe, emphasizing that their health and lives are the most important considerations. His son, Bruno Coimbra, also commented, saying that while his parents were unharmed, the incident was more emotionally distressing than financially impactful.This robbery is not an isolated incident, as other athletes and journalists covering the Olympics in Paris have reported thefts and attempted assaults. The city has a history of celebrity robberies during international events, raising concerns about security as the Olympic Games approach.
Key points
- Brazilian football legend Zico was robbed of items worth €500,000 in Paris.
- The theft occurred as Zico was leaving his hotel for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Paris authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
- The robbery raises security concerns as the Olympic Games approach.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the theft occurred as Zico was entering a taxi, one source claims the items were stolen from his car with the window open.
👾The exact value of the stolen items is disputed, with a source close to the investigation suggesting it might be ‘grossly overestimated’.
