The severed features of Juan Rodrigo Silva Santos, 35, were discovered in a bag left by his Rio de Janeiro home on Tuesday morning.

Some local media outlets suggest his eyes and tongue had been removed.

UOL Noticias reports that shop-owner Silva Santos was kidnapped at 7:30 p.m. on Monday by two men who ordered him into a vehicle.

She heard a movement by the back gate and, shortly after, found the bag containing his head.

Police are now investigating the horrific crime which has rocked the Realengos neighborhood.

Initial reports suggest that the incident could be connected to his wife’s job, but that theory has not been confirmed.

Friends said they were stunned at the news, revealing that the former athlete did not have any enemies. But they did add that his shop had recently been broken into.

Silva Santos started his career at age 16, playing for the local Bangu club before turning professional three years later.

He then played for second division teams Madureira and Boa Vista, and clubs in Switzerland and Honduras.

The footballer, who had a son from a previous relationship and had been married to Silvar for 10 years, ended his career at Sampaio Correa.