Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, famously known as Lucas Paquetá, was born on August 27, 1997, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in a football-loving country, it was no surprise that he developed a passion for the game from a young age. Raised in the Paquetá neighborhood, from which he adopted his famous nickname, he started kicking the ball as soon as he could walk.
Paquetá’s talent was evident early on, and he joined Flamengo’s youth academy at the age of 10. His skills, vision, and dribbling ability quickly set him apart. However, he faced physical challenges as a teenager, standing only 5’4” (1.63m) at 15 years old. Many doubted his ability to compete at a professional level due to his small stature. However, he underwent a significant growth spurt and, combined with his technical ability, became a promising young talent.
Breakthrough at Flamengo
Paquetá made his professional debut for Flamengo in 2016. His performances improved with every match, and by 2017, he became one of the team’s most influential players. His dribbling, passing, and ability to score crucial goals caught the attention of top European clubs. By 2018, he had established himself as one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football.
His time at Flamengo earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team, and his career took a massive leap when AC Milan secured his signature in 2019 for a reported €35 million. The move to Europe was a dream come true, but it came with its challenges.
Struggles in Europe: AC Milan’s Tough Years
Expectations were high when Paquetá arrived at AC Milan, a club with a rich history. However, his time in Italy was far from smooth. He struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Serie A. Additionally, Milan was going through a difficult phase, and the instability within the club made it harder for him to thrive.
Although he showed glimpses of brilliance, his inconsistency and lack of goals led to criticism. After just 18 months at Milan, the club decided to part ways with him. In 2020, he was sold to Lyon in France for €20 million. Many saw this as a step down, but for Paquetá, it was an opportunity for a fresh start.
Revival in Lyon and Return to Form
Moving to Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) proved to be one of the best decisions of his career. Ligue 1 allowed him more freedom, and he rediscovered his best form. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he became one of Lyon’s standout performers. He was instrumental in their attack, contributing goals and assists regularly. His performances were so impressive that he won the club’s Player of the Year award in the 2021-22 season.
More importantly, his resurgence earned him a permanent spot in the Brazilian national team. His confidence was back, and he was proving his doubters wrong. European giants once again started showing interest in him.
West Ham Move and Premier League Challenge
In August 2022, Paquetá made another big move—this time to the English Premier League, joining West Ham United for a club-record fee of around £51 million. It was a bold decision, as the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
At West Ham, he had a slow start but soon became a key player. His creativity, technical skills, and ability to control the midfield helped West Ham improve their performances. One of the highlights of his first season was helping the club win the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, marking a historic achievement for the team.
His performances in England caught the attention of bigger clubs, with Manchester City reportedly interested in signing him. However, his career took an unexpected turn when reports emerged of a betting investigation involving him, which put a potential transfer on hold. Despite this, he remains focused on his football and continues to perform at a high level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lucas Paquetá is a unique talent. His playing style is a mix of Brazilian flair and European discipline. He is known for his dribbling, quick passing, and ability to unlock defenses with creative plays. He also has a strong defensive work rate, making him a complete midfielder.
His versatility allows him to play in multiple positions—attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or even as a deep-lying playmaker. This adaptability has made him valuable for both club and country.
Brazil National Team Success
Since making his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2018, Paquetá has been a key figure in their midfield. He played an essential role in Brazil’s Copa America-winning campaign in 2019. His partnership with players like Neymar and Casemiro has made Brazil’s midfield one of the strongest in international football.
He was also a part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Although Brazil did not win the tournament, Paquetá’s performances were praised. He remains an important player as Brazil prepares for future international competitions.
What’s Next for Lucas Paquetá?
At just 26 years old, Lucas Paquetá still has a long career ahead of him. Whether he stays at West Ham or moves to a bigger club, he has already proven himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. His journey from Flamengo to European football has been full of ups and downs, but he has always managed to bounce back stronger.
If he continues to develop and perform at the highest level, he could become one of Brazil’s greatest midfielders. With his talent and determination, the future looks bright for Lucas Paquetá.
Fans will be watching closely to see what the next chapter of his career holds.
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