Lucas Paquetá is one of the most exciting midfielders in world football today. With his incredible technical ability, vision, and versatility, he has become a key player for both club and country. Born in Brazil, a nation known for producing some of the greatest footballers in history, Paquetá embodies the rich footballing tradition of flair, skill, and attacking prowess. His journey from Flamengo to European football has been nothing short of inspiring. This article delves deep into his career, playing style, and what makes him an indispensable asset for any team he plays for.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, commonly known as Lucas Paquetá, was born on August 27, 1997, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a football-loving environment and joined Flamengo’s youth academy at a young age. His natural talent and technical skills were evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks.
By 2016, he made his professional debut for Flamengo’s senior team. His performances in Brazil’s top flight drew attention due to his dribbling, creativity, and ability to dictate the game from midfield. His breakthrough season came in 2018 when he played a crucial role in Flamengo’s campaigns, leading to interest from top European clubs.
Move to Europe: AC Milan and Beyond
Lucas Paquetá’s performances at Flamengo earned him a high-profile transfer to AC Milan in January 2019. The move was seen as a major step in his career, as Milan was in search of a creative midfielder who could bring flair back to their squad. Although he showed glimpses of brilliance, his time at Milan was a mixed bag. The club was undergoing managerial and tactical changes, making it difficult for Paquetá to find consistent form.
After struggling to fully adapt to Italian football, Paquetá made a switch to Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in 2020. This transfer proved to be a turning point in his career. At Lyon, he flourished under a system that allowed him more freedom in midfield. He quickly became one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1, showcasing his dribbling, passing range, and work rate.
Playing Style and Strengths
One of the standout aspects of Lucas Paquetá’s game is his versatility. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or even in a deeper role if required. His ability to read the game and control possession makes him an essential part of any team’s tactical setup.
Technical Ability and Dribbling
Paquetá possesses excellent ball control and dribbling skills, making it difficult for defenders to dispossess him. He often uses quick footwork and body feints to navigate through tight spaces, making him a nightmare for opponents.
Vision and Passing
His vision and passing ability allow him to create goal-scoring opportunities for teammates. Whether it’s through-balls, lofted passes, or quick one-touch plays, Paquetá has the intelligence to break defensive lines with ease.
Work Rate and Defensive Contribution
Unlike many attacking midfielders who focus solely on offense, Paquetá is also known for his defensive contributions. His work rate off the ball is impressive, as he frequently tracks back to support his team defensively. His ability to recover possession and transition into attack makes him a complete midfielder.
International Career with Brazil
Lucas Paquetá has been an integral part of the Brazilian national team since making his senior debut in 2018. He was part of the squad that won the 2021 Copa America, contributing with crucial performances throughout the tournament.
His ability to link midfield and attack has made him one of Brazil’s most reliable players. Under manager Tite, Paquetá has often played alongside world-class talents such as Neymar and Casemiro, showcasing his adaptability and tactical intelligence.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Paquetá is expected to play a major role in Brazil’s quest for another world title. His combination of skill, energy, and experience makes him a key player for the Seleção.
Achievements and Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Lucas Paquetá has achieved several milestones that highlight his growing influence in world football:
- Flamengo (2016-2018): Campeonato Carioca winner and a key player in domestic competitions.
- AC Milan (2019-2020): While his time at Milan had ups and downs, he gained valuable experience in European football.
- Lyon (2020-Present): Named Ligue 1’s Best Foreign Player and consistently ranked among the top performers in the league.
- Brazil National Team (2018-Present): Winner of the 2021 Copa America and a key figure in Brazil’s international campaigns.
The Future of Lucas Paquetá
At just 26 years old, Lucas Paquetá still has many years of top-level football ahead of him. With continuous improvement, he has the potential to establish himself as one of the world’s best midfielders. His leadership qualities, technical brilliance, and hunger for success make him a player to watch in the coming years.
Several top European clubs continue to monitor him, and a move to a club in the UEFA Champions League could be on the horizon. Regardless of where he plays, Paquetá’s influence on the game will only continue to grow.
Conclusion
Lucas Paquetá’s journey from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to the grand stages of European football is a testament to his talent and hard work. As a player who embodies the Brazilian footballing spirit, he continues to entertain fans with his dazzling skills and tactical intelligence. Whether for club or country, Paquetá remains a midfield maestro in action, with a bright future ahead.
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FAQ’s Section
Lucas Paquetá primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can also operate as a central or defensive midfielder when needed.
He has played for Flamengo, AC Milan, and Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in his professional career.
Yes, he was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2021 Copa America.
His key strengths include dribbling, passing, vision, work rate, and defensive contributions.
Yes, given his consistent performances, he is expected to play a crucial role for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup.