After nearly two years of uncertainty, tears, and speculation, Lucas Paquetá can finally breathe again. The West Ham United midfielder has been cleared of four major betting breach charges after an independent commission ruled that the allegations could not be proven.

His immediate response, a quote from Deuteronomy 28:7 — “The enemy will come against us one way, but they will flee seven ways” — posted to Instagram, made it clear how personal the ordeal had been.

On July 25, Paquetá, 27, received the call he had been waiting for. The Football Association's most serious charges — which could have ended his career with a lifetime ban — had not been upheld.

The midfielder, currently in the US on West Ham’s pre-season tour, had time to reflect before making a public statement. But it’s evident that he saw himself as a victim of an unjust system.

This wasn't just a legal victory. For Paquetá, it was vindication. His emotional reaction wasn’t new to those inside the club. When news of the investigation broke in August 2023, he broke down in front of his teammates, telling them he was innocent. In a meeting held without manager David Moyes or his staff, Edson Álvarez promised to protect his teammate on the pitch if he was targeted. Their bond was later showcased in a Europa League tie against Freiburg, when Paquetá scored and ran straight to hug Álvarez.

West Ham rallied around Paquetá. Vice-chair Karren Brady released a statement after the verdict reaffirming the club’s support: “Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything.”

Players like Emerson Palmieri, Tomas Soucek, Jarrod Bowen, and Lukasz Fabianski were instrumental in supporting Paquetá through what was described internally as a “nightmare”.

“We’ve always been there for him,” said Fabianski. “We didn’t know everything about the case, but we knew what kind of person he is.”

Even David Moyes, no longer at the club, agreed to testify on his behalf during the hearing — such was the strength of their relationship.

In the summer of 2023, Lucas Paquetá was on the brink of a dream move to Manchester City. After helping West Ham win their first trophy in over 40 years — assisting Jarrod Bowen’s famous winner in the Europa Conference League final — Paquetá was in demand.

A release clause of £85 million was due to activate, and City had already seen a £70 million bid rejected. Then came the hammer blow: on August 16, the FA informed West Ham that they had opened an investigation into betting activity surrounding Paquetá’s yellow cards in four matches.

Suspicious bets had been placed in games against Bournemouth, Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Leicester City — with bets traced to accounts registered in Paquetá Island, his childhood home off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Up to 60 individuals placed bets ranging from £7 to £400.

One key moment was the Bournemouth match, in which Paquetá committed four fouls. Betway, West Ham’s shirt sponsor, initially flagged the suspicious betting patterns. When Brazilian operators echoed these concerns, the International Betting Integrity Association and FIFA got involved.

Despite cooperating fully — including surrendering his phone and participating in a lengthy interview — Paquetá was charged on May 23, 2024, with four counts of spot-fixing. He strongly denied the accusations.

“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” he said in May. “I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”

Though cleared of the betting breaches, he still faces two charges for failing to fully cooperate with the FA's investigation. He plans to appeal.

The toll this case took on Paquetá and his family was immense. After Manchester City clinched the Premier League title in May 2024, Paquetá flew home with his wife and children. Upon arrival, he reached out to Pastor Andre Fernandes for prayer.

His wife, Duda Fournier, publicly expressed her frustration on social media: “We’ve been living through this nightmare for two years… People are cruel and unjust without knowing anything.”

Faith has been a key source of strength. Paquetá was baptised in June, with friend and Flamengo forward Pedro Guilherme present.

He also received continued emotional support from figures like Bruno Guimarães, who holidayed with him in the US, and Tim Steidten, West Ham’s former technical director, who flew to Brazil ahead of Copa America to reassure him of his future at the club.

Despite the storm swirling around him, Paquetá maintained his professionalism. He missed no training sessions without permission and continued to deliver on the pitch. He finished the 2023-24 season with eight goals and seven assists across 43 matches.

His standout display in Graham Potter’s debut match as manager — a gritty FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa — earned him the man-of-the-match award. Potter later confirmed that he and Paquetá had a private conversation that appeared to reinvigorate the midfielder.

Even as his form dipped during periods of intense pressure, performances against Liverpool and Fulham reminded fans of his elite talent. One particularly emotional moment came after being booked against Tottenham in May. He was seen wiping away tears, and Bowen consoled him on the pitch. “I just didn’t want him doing anything silly,” Bowen said. “He was clearly going through a lot.”

Now cleared, questions turn to Paquetá’s future. Could a move to a top club like Manchester City be revived? Or has that opportunity passed?

Those close to him say that for the past two years, transfers have not been his priority. His sole focus has been clearing his name and protecting his family.

As his lawyer Alastair Campbell explained: “It was a case built on circumstantial evidence. We examined each strand and presented our story. Lucas was extremely emotional and extremely grateful when he received the news.”

There’s no doubt West Ham stood by him. And as the new season approaches, they may yet benefit from his continued loyalty — and perhaps even see the best version of a player once tipped to reach the very top.