Heitor Santos Ferreira is part of the next wave of Brazilian talent chasing success on bull riding’s biggest stage. The Goiatuba, Goiás, native was born Nov. 17, 2005, and has already made bull riding his full-time profession, carrying the same cowboy roots that have produced some of Brazil’s best riders into his opportunity with the Kansas City Outlaws.

At 5-foot-6.9 and 154 pounds, Santos brings a compact, athletic build to the arena and stays sharp with cardio workouts throughout the week. He grew up playing soccer and still follows the sport closely, but these days his focus is squarely on PBR as he looks to establish himself among the sport’s young Brazilian standouts. 

Away from the dirt, Santos keeps his Brazilian roots close. Steak is his food of choice, soccer remains his favorite sport and country music makes the playlist, with Henrique & Juliano among his favorites. He also enjoys surfing and billiards, follows UFC and keeps his bull riding inspiration strong with the famous film 8 Seconds. Asked who he looks up to most, Santos keeps it close to home: his dad.

A cowboy through and through, Santos would rather be behind the wheel of a truck than anything flashy and, if bull riding weren’t the plan, figures he might have found his way into team roping. For now, though, there is no backup career to worry about. Bull riding is the job, and the young Brazilian is ready to make his mark on it.