Learn all about Hirving Lozano: his career from Pachuca to Europe, statistics, titles, curiosities and the legacy of “Chucky” in world football.
ALL ABOUT FOOTBALLER LUCAS PAQUETÁ
Lucas Paquetá is one of those Brazilian footballers who embodies the typical "jogo bonito" (beautiful game), but with a modern twist: he combines technique, vision, and sacrifice. Born in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, his path to success was as difficult as it was inspiring. Today, he shines in the Premier League and is a key player for the Brazilian national team. But his career hasn't been straightforward: he went from being a promising young player at Flamengo to a difficult period in Europe, before making a powerful comeback. In this article, we tell you EVERYTHING about Lucas Paquetá: his beginnings, clubs, statistics, achievements, playing style, and some interesting facts that will surely surprise you. If you appreciate beautiful football, this Brazilian will win you over.
From Rio to the World's Stadiums
Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, known worldwide as Lucas Paquetá, was born on August 27, 1997, on Paquetá Island, a small community in Rio de Janeiro. His nickname comes directly from his birthplace. From a very young age, he showed special skills with the ball, but he also faced economic hardships along with his family. He played on the dirt fields of his neighborhood with a passion that made him stand out from the rest.
Training at Flamengo
At age 10, he was discovered by Flamengo scouts and joined the club's youth academy. Despite his talent, it wasn't easy. In his teens he was very short and many thought he wouldn't make it to the professional level. But with time, and a lot of physical effort, he grew both in height and in his footballing ability. Finally, in 2016 he made his debut with Flamengo's first team. He quickly won over the fans with his elegant touch, his ability to assist, and his mid-range shooting. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1997. Nicknamed “Paquetá” after his native island. Joined Flamengo at age 10. Professional debut in 2016. With Flamengo, he played over 60 matches and was a key player for the team in the Brasileirão. His talent did not go unnoticed, and soon the big clubs in Europe began to follow him. AC Milan were the ones who took a chance on him in 2019, opening the doors of the Old Continent for him.
From Promise to International Star
Lucas Paquetá's career has been a rollercoaster, but always with one common denominator: his natural talent. After shining at Flamengo, he signed for AC Milan in January 2019 for around €35 million. Although he arrived with high expectations, he didn't fully adapt to Italian football or the team's system. He showed flashes of quality, but seemed uncomfortable. After a season and a half, he decided to seek a change of scenery and signed for Olympique Lyonnais.
Rebirth in France and a Leap to England
In Lyon, he found his best form in Europe. Under the confidence of the coaching staff, Paquetá shone with his technical and attacking style. He became one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1, contributing goals, assists and control of the pace of the game. In 2022, his outstanding performances caught the eye of West Ham United, who signed him in one of the most expensive transfers in their history. In England, Paquetá has shown he can compete at the highest level. At West Ham, he is an undisputed starter and has been key both in the league and in European competitions. He directly contributed to winning the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League, playing a starring role with assists and goals in decisive stages. His versatility allows him to play as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or even winger, depending on the match requirements. He possesses dribbling skills, a through ball, a powerful left foot, and tactical intelligence that allows him to adapt to different systems without losing his creative essence.
A Brazilian with the soul of a number 10
Lucas Paquetá has been an important part of the Brazilian national team since 2018. He has played in the Copa América, the qualifiers, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup. One of his most memorable moments was his goal against Peru in the 2021 Copa América semi-final, where he demonstrated composure, class, and a nose for goal. At the World Cup, he started several matches and earned Tite's trust as the ideal complement to Neymar in midfield. Stats that back up his talent: As of the 2024-25 season, Paquetá has played over 250 professional matches, with more than 45 goals and 50 assists. His performance at Lyon was outstanding, and at West Ham he has already surpassed 10 goals and 15 assists in two seasons. With Brazil, he has accumulated more than 40 matches and 9 goals, in addition to multiple assists playing as an attacking midfielder.
More than 250 matches as a professional
45+ goals and 50+ assists
2022-23 Conference League Champion
2019 Copa América with Brazil
2022 Qatar World Cup as a starter
Interesting facts and personal profile
Off the field, Lucas Paquetá is very family-oriented. He is married to Maria Eduarda Fournier, with whom he has a son, and he often shares moments from his personal life on social media. He is very devout and always celebrates his goals by pointing to the sky. He has a tattoo that says "faith" on his arm, which represents his journey full of obstacles overcome. He enjoys playing guitar, dancing samba, and cooking Brazilian dishes. In the locker room, he often plays music to cheer up his teammates, and several describe him as "the joyful soul of the team." He has also stated that Ronaldinho is his greatest idol and that he tries to imitate his free and creative style every time he steps onto the pitch. In short, Lucas Paquetá represents the modern Brazilian footballer: pure technique, tactical commitment, and a personality that blends humility with charisma. If he continues on this path, his name will be etched as one of the most influential of his generation.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
