Alex Cerqueira has built his career around fighting his way back. The Iguatemi, Brazil, native left home at just 13 years old and eventually emerged as one of his country’s rising bull riding talents before bringing that momentum to the United States in 2020. Nicknamed “Carreirinha” for his competitive nature and dedication to the sport, Cerqueira quickly proved he belonged, qualifying for his first PBR World Finals that season and recording his first 90-point ride with 91.25 points on three-time PBR World Champion Bull SweetPro’s Bruiser.

The road since has rarely been easy. Cerqueira has battled through major injuries, including two broken legs, and returned to Brazil for surgery on his knee and shoulder before working his way back to competition. Each setback has only added to the fighter mentality that has defined his career. After returning to form with the Florida Freedom, Cerqueira went 12-for-22 during the 2024 PBR Teams regular season and delivered qualified rides in each of the first two rounds of the Teams Championship, helping Florida finish fourth overall. A year later, he was part of the Freedom squad that captured the 2025 PBR Teams regular-season championship, adding another milestone to a career built on resilience and consistency.

Cerqueira carried that momentum back into individual competition and produced one of his strongest seasons yet in 2026. He won Round 1 in Salt Lake City with 88.90 points on Stryker and ultimately finished No. 10 in the Unleash The Beast World Championship standings after covering 30 of 59 bulls for a 50.85% riding percentage. It marked another high point for a rider who has repeatedly found a way to rebuild after injuries threatened to slow his career.

Fans have also come to know Cerqueira for his signature bow-and-arrow celebration after a big ride — a fitting trademark for a cowboy who rarely stops fighting. Away from the arena, the married father of one stays ready with cardio training three to four times a week and enjoys mountain biking and fishing. He looks up to fellow Brazilian Fabiano Vieira, follows the Dallas Cowboys and UFC, and keeps country music in rotation.

Cerqueira says that if bull riding had not become his full-time job, he could have seen himself working as a bullfighter. Considering the way he has approached his own career — taking hits, getting back up and returning to fire another shot — the description fits either way.