Ex-Manchester United Favourite Risks Jail Time Over 284 Million Naira Unpaid Child Support

A former Manchester United favourite is facing the threat of jail after failing to meet his child support obligations amounting to more than ₦284 million. The ex-midfielder, Anderson, who has publicly claimed to be the father of nine children, is at the centre of a heated legal battle in Brazil over unpaid alimony.

The 37-year-old, who lifted four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his career at Old Trafford, has been ordered by a family court in Porto Alegre to clear a debt of £142,000 (₦284,584,046). Failure to do so could see him spend up to 30 days behind bars, highlighting the severity of his current financial troubles.

The ruling, which was issued on September 3 but only recently reported, makes clear that Anderson must act quickly to avoid imprisonment. Brazilian authorities warned that if the amount is not settled in time, the former footballer could be placed under a strict “closed regime,” meaning confinement to a cell with tight supervision.

In the event that local prisons cannot accommodate him, Anderson could instead serve under a “semi-open regime,” which would allow him to work or study during the day before returning to confinement at night. The outstanding debt reportedly dates back to July, amounting to more than one million reais in unpaid child maintenance. So far, the ex-player has not made any public statement regarding the case.

Anderson’s fall from grace stands in sharp contrast to the high points of his playing career. Once hailed as one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents, he moved from Porto to Manchester United in 2007 and went on to make over 180 appearances for the club. During his time in England, he was part of a squad that enjoyed domestic and European success, earning admiration from fans worldwide.

However, his years after football have been marked by controversy. Having retired at just 31 following short stints with Fiorentina and Internacional, Anderson soon faced allegations of being involved in a cryptocurrency money-laundering scheme in 2019. The case was linked to millions of pounds, though the latest developments on that investigation remain unclear.

Despite fond memories of his energetic displays in midfield and his close bond with teammates—he once revealed he and Nani lived with Cristiano Ronaldo during their first year in England—Anderson’s off-field problems now dominate the headlines. For many supporters, the looming jail threat only deepens the sense that a once-bright career has been overshadowed by personal and financial turmoil.