Lucas Paquetá

Lucas Paquetá is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Flamengo and the Brazil national team. He is celebrated for his technical flair, no-look passes, and creative dribbling, often described as a modern number 10 with a box-to-box style. His most notable club achievement came in 2023 when he helped West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference League, their first European trophy in decades. Paquetá has also represented Brazil at two World Cups and won the Copa América in 2019. He returned to Flamengo in 2026. Despite ongoing investigations, he remains a fan favorite in Brazil, known for his joyful playing style and deep Christian faith. As of mid-2026, he has over 6 million Instagram followers and continues to be a regular starter for both club and country.[edit]

Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, born on August 27, 1997, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, would become known worldwide by his distinctive nickname, Lucas Paquetá. This moniker is derived from the island district of Paquetá in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in a modest household, his father worked diligently as a taxi driver, while his mother contributed as a housekeeper. From an early age, Paquetá showed a strong affinity for football, beginning his journey in futsal at the tender age of six. His talent quickly became evident, leading him to join the prestigious Flamengo's youth academy in 2007, when he was just ten years old. Throughout his demanding years in the academy, he diligently balanced his rigorous training schedule with his academic pursuits, successfully completing his secondary education in Rio de Janeiro. During these developmental years, Paquetá drew immense inspiration from his childhood idol, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, whose distinctive flair and creative style profoundly influenced the young midfielder's own emerging play.

Paquetá steadily progressed through Flamengo's youth ranks, honing his skills and leadership qualities. A pivotal moment in his nascent career arrived in 2016. That year, he captained Flamengo's under-20 side to a triumphant victory in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, widely regarded as Brazil's most prestigious youth tournament. His exceptional performance was capped by a crucial goal in the final match against São Paulo. This standout display, showcasing both his technical prowess and his ability to perform under pressure, immediately caught the discerning eye of the senior team coaches. Recognizing his immense potential and readiness, Paquetá was swiftly promoted to the first team later that same year, marking his breakthrough into professional football.[edit]

Paquetá made his senior debut for Flamengo on March 5, 2017, in a Campeonato Carioca match against Madureira. He scored his first senior goal two weeks later against Fluminense. In 2018, he was named in the Campeonato Carioca Team of the Year. In January 2019, he transferred to AC Milan for €35 million, making 44 appearances over two seasons but scoring just one goal.

He joined Lyon in September 2020 for €20 million, where he revived his form with 11 goals in 80 appearances. In August 2022, West Ham United signed him for a club-record £51 million. In his debut season, he helped West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference League, scoring in the semi-final and assisting in the final against Fiorentina. He was named in the competition's Team of the Season.

Paquetá represented Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, playing all four matches as Brazil reached the quarter-finals. He also played in the 2024 Copa América, where Brazil finished runners-up. In January 2026, he returned to Flamengo on a free transfer after his West Ham contract was mutually terminated amid an FA betting investigation. He made his second debut for Flamengo in February 2026 and played at the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil reached the semi-finals.[edit]

Paquetá is known for his technical flair, no-look passes, and creative dribbling. On the pitch, he wears his socks rolled down, a signature look among Brazilian players. The media portrays him as a talented but inconsistent player. The FA betting investigation has impacted his public image, but in Brazil he remains a fan favorite. Flamengo supporters call him Mago (Wizard) and have a chant dedicated to him. His signature celebration — pointing to the sky in prayer — is widely imitated by young fans. He posts primarily in Portuguese on social media, sharing training, family moments, and religious content, and rarely engages with controversy.[edit]

Lucas Paquetá commands a distinct layer of global attention, recognized primarily within South American football circles and specific European leagues where his career has unfolded. His standing in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings reflects this concentrated influence rather than universal celebrity. Current data places him as the 81st most famous person in Brazil, a position he has maintained steadily through the previous cycle. The rankings also note an unusual attribution, listing him as the 49th most famous person from Germany, a placement that remains unchanged from prior assessments. These metrics are derived from comprehensive tracking of media coverage and consumption signals across international platforms. While his digital presence is substantial, with millions following his activities on social media, his fanbase does not operate under a single formalized name. Supporters are typically identified by their allegiance to Flamengo or the Brazil national team rather than a dedicated group title for the player himself. There are no documented rituals, specific campaigns, or organized fan clubs bearing a unique moniker solely for Paquetá, distinguishing his support structure from that of global superstars with established unofficial fandoms.[edit]

The nickname Paquetá originates from the island neighborhood of his childhood, not his actual surname. Before turning to full-field football at age ten, he spent his early years training as a futsal player. Beyond the pitch, he is a trained singer who frequently shares videos of himself performing Brazilian MPB while playing the guitar. He is fluent in Portuguese, Italian, French, and English, and feijoada stands as his preferred meal. A pet French bulldog named Pelé keeps him company off the field. He holds the distinction of being the first Brazilian to score in a UEFA Europa Conference League final. Recent years have added new chapters to his narrative, including a record-breaking €42 million transfer to Flamengo in early 2026 after direct negotiations. In July 2026, he faced a significant setback when a hamstring injury ruled him out of the World Cup Round of 16 match against Norway, sparking widespread concern among supporters before his eventual return to action. Despite missing consecutive games due to undisclosed injuries later that summer, he managed to score a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro in August 2026.[edit]

Paquetá's father was a taxi driver and his mother worked as a housekeeper. He has one younger brother named Matheus. He is deeply religious and frequently references his Christian faith. He has a son, Bento, born in April 2023 with ex-fiancée Giovanna Castro. As of 2026, he shares custody of Bento. He owns a luxury apartment in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, and a home in São Paulo.[edit]

Frequent Brazil national team teammates include Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro, and Bruno Guimarães. At Flamengo, he played with Gabigol and Everton Ribeiro. At West Ham, he shared the pitch with Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen. His childhood friend and Brazil teammate Bruno Guimarães also came through Flamengo's youth system. His agent is Giuliano Bertolucci.[edit]

Paquetá's first known relationship was with Brazilian model and influencer Maria Eduarda (Duda), which lasted from 2017 to 2020. They split amicably, citing the challenges of long-distance after his move to AC Milan.

In 2021, he began dating Giovanna Castro, a Brazilian influencer and businesswoman. They became engaged in 2022 and had a son, Bento, in April 2023. The relationship ended in late 2023 amid strain from his relocation to London and career pressures.

As of 2026, Paquetá is single. He shares custody of his son Bento with ex-fiancée Giovanna Castro and has not publicly confirmed any new relationship since returning to Brazil.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Lucas Paquetá's estimated net worth stands at $25 Million as of 2026. His current remuneration at Flamengo amounts to approximately R$1.5 million per month, totaling $3.6 million annually and securing his status among the highest-paid athletes in Brazilian football. During his tenure at West Ham between 2022 and 2025, he earned roughly £150,000 weekly, equivalent to $9.6 million per year. Previous contracts included annual salaries of €6 million at Lyon and €2 million at AC Milan. Endorsement partnerships with Nike, active since 2018, alongside deals with Guaraná Antarctica and Vivo, contribute an additional estimated $1–2 million each year. His asset portfolio includes residential properties in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, alongside investments in Brazilian real estate and a restaurant chain. He also serves as a co-owner of the Paquetá Football Academy located in Rio de Janeiro.[edit]

Paquetá has won team honors including the UEFA Europa Conference League (2023), Copa América (2019), and Campeonato Carioca (2017, 2026). Individually, he was named in the Campeonato Carioca Team of the Year (2018) and the UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season (2022–23).[edit]