Brazilian marathon runner Daniel Ferreira do Nascimento has been reported missing, with his family making an emotional appeal for help. The Olympian was last seen leaving his home in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo, on June 19 carrying only a black backpack. His mother says he had been going through a difficult period after his athletics suspension, and police are now investigating his disappearance. As his family continues searching for answers, they are hoping someone comes forward with information that could help bring him home safely.
Who is Daniel Nascimento ? Brazilian Olympian’s career, background, and rise to fame
Daniel Ferreira do Nascimento is one of Brazil’s best-known long-distance runners. Born on July 28, 1998, in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo, he built his career through road racing before becoming one of South America’s fastest marathon runners. His performances earned him a place on Brazil’s national team, and he went on to represent the country in the men’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympics.Nascimento reached the biggest stage of his career in 2022. He finished third at the Seoul Marathon with a time of 2:04:51, setting South American and Americas marathon records. Later that year, he placed eighth at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He also drew worldwide attention during the 2022 New York City Marathon, where he led the race for more than 20 miles before collapsing from exhaustion near the closing stages.Away from competition, Daniel remained close to his family. His mother, Valdirene de Paula Ferreira, has been leading the search since he disappeared. According to her, Daniel had been living with her after his athletics suspension. She said she took him with her to work and tried to support him during a difficult phase in his life. Even after stepping away from competition, he still loved running and would sometimes train alone through nearby sugarcane fields because he missed being an athlete.
Daniel Nascimento disappears as family searches for him following athletics suspension
According to his family, Daniel left home around 7 p.m. on June 19 carrying only a black backpack and never returned. After they were unable to contact him for weeks, they reported him missing to police and started asking the public for help through social media.His mother shared an emotional message on Instagram alongside a photograph of her son. “Does anyone have any information about my son? His name is Daniel Nascimento, better known by the nickname Armero. He was a marathon runner.”She also said he had been going through a difficult period following his suspension and asked anyone with information to contact the family.Speaking about the emotional toll of his disappearance, Valdirene said: “A thousand things go through your mind as a mother. I think I’ve lost about 10 kilos. Daniel’s siblings are also very worried. We just want him to show up.”In May 2025, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced a five-year ban after Daniel tested positive for three banned anabolic steroids during out-of-competition testing. The suspension ruled him out of the Paris Olympics and, under the current period of ineligibility, would also keep him out of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Police are also looking into reports that Daniel may have been seen walking along a highway between Paraguaçu Paulista and the nearby city of Assis. Authorities have not confirmed the reported sighting, and the investigation remains ongoing as his family continues hoping he will be found safely.