Naty Potira, Santos influencer and cancer survivor, dies at 39

Naty Potira, a digital influencer and devoted Santos FC supporter, died on September 26, 2026, at age 39 after a three-year battle with metastatic cervical cancer. A former flight attendant with over 450,000 social media followers, she received public support from Neymar Jr. and Santos FC during her illness.

Quick Facts

Digital influencer died after metastatic cancer battle
Created game-reaction and humor content about Santos FC
Received signed Santos jersey from Neymar
Received video message and personal support from Neymar during treatment
Underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cervical cancer

Naty Potira, a digital influencer and devoted Santos FC supporter, died on September 26, 2026, at age 39 after a three-year battle with metastatic cervical cancer. A former flight attendant with over 450,000 social media followers, Potira had become a prominent figure in Santos fan communities, known for creating game-reaction content and sharing her cancer journey with her audience.

Potira was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2023 during routine medical examinations. She initially announced recovery in March 2024 but resumed treatment later that year after discovering metastasis. Over the following months, she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, treating tumors in her neck and cervical region. In late August 2026, her condition deteriorated significantly, leading to hospitalization at Hospital Leforte in São Paulo. She was sedated on September 20 for comfort care and died six days later.

During her illness, Potira received significant public support from Santos FC and footballer Neymar Jr. In May 2026, she met Neymar at a match, receiving a signed Santos jersey and personal words of encouragement. The player later dedicated a 1–0 victory over Corinthians to her on August 30, recording a video message in the dressing room. On September 23, Santos FC organized a public prayer chain, calling on supporters to send positive energy for her recovery.

Santos FC mourned her death in an official statement, describing her as "a devoted supporter who made Santos her life and spread love and happiness to everyone she encountered." The club highlighted her incomparable charisma and her participation in club initiatives, including Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns. Neymar responded on social media with: "Rest in peace. Cheer for us from up there."

Beyond her role as an influencer, Potira had worked as a flight attendant since 2010 and was an ambassador for the 2026 Paulistão tournament. In her youth, she aspired to become a professional footballer after being inspired by her father, attempting trials at Juventus-SP and Santos youth academy but facing financial obstacles. Her wake was held on September 28, 2026, at the Torcida Jovem do Santos headquarters in São Paulo, followed by cremation the same day.

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#Brazil #Santos FC #Neymar #influencer #football #Naty Potira #cancer

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Why This Matters

Naty Potira's death marks the end of a high-profile public health narrative in Brazil: a social media figure with 450,000+ followers who documented her metastatic cervical cancer battle over three years. Her case received sustained attention from professional athletes (Neymar Jr.) and major sports institutions (Santos FC), reflecting broader visibility of cervical cancer and late-stage cancer care in Latin American digital spheres. The documented gap between initial diagnosis (September 2023) and metastasis discovery (late 2024) illustrates delays in follow-up monitoring; her final hospitalization and rapid deterioration underscores survival challenges in advanced metastatic disease.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2010

Wire

Naty begins career as flight attendant

Jan 1, 2024

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Metastasis discovered; resumes cancer treatment

Sep 26, 2026

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Dies at age 39

Sep 28, 2026

Wire

Wake held at Torcida Jovem do Santos; cremation at 2pm