A former shoeshine boy and steelworker who rose to become one of Brazil's most popular presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's downfall has been just as dramatic.

At 72, the lifelong fighter finds himself on the ropes following a Supreme Court ruling that could see him soon sent to prison.

The two-term former president was sentenced in January to 12 years for taking a bribe.

But, with a stunning lead in polls ahead of October 7 presidential elections, Lula hoped the Supreme Court would let him stay free while he pursued more appeals and sought a third term in office.