Who is Douglas Luiz?
Douglas Luiz began his football journey in the youth ranks of Vasco da Gama in 2013. By 2016, he had advanced to their senior team, making 35 appearances and netting 5 goals. His promising performance caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed him in 2017. However, due to work permit challenges, he was loaned to Girona FC in Spain, where he accumulated 38 appearances over two seasons. In 2019, Luiz transferred to Aston Villa in the English Premier League, becoming a pivotal figure with 175 appearances and 20 goals by 2024. His consistent performances led to a move to Juventus in 2024, where he continues to showcase his midfield prowess.
Early Life and Education
Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo, popularly known as Douglas Luiz, was born on May 9, 1998, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in the favelas of Nova Iguaçu, Luiz faced numerous challenges but showed an early passion for football. He joined the youth ranks of Vasco da Gama in 2013, where his talent and determination quickly set him apart. Despite the limited educational opportunities available, Luiz’s focus remained firmly on football, which became a gateway to a brighter future. His development at Vasco da Gama’s academy laid the foundation for his professional career.
Personal Life
Douglas Luiz is known to be a private individual who values his personal space outside of football. He is fluent in Portuguese and continues to embrace his Brazilian roots despite living abroad. Luiz is reportedly in a relationship with Alisha Lehmann, a Swiss professional footballer. Their relationship has been well-documented, with both sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Luiz often spends his free time with friends, family, and teammates, enjoying music and occasional video gaming sessions.
Family
Douglas Luiz was born to Maria Soares and Edmilson Soares. His parents have been a pillar of support throughout his life, especially during his early struggles. Maria Soares, his mother, has often spoken about how Luiz’s discipline and focus were evident from a young age. Luiz remains deeply connected to his family, often crediting them for instilling the values of perseverance and humility. Despite his success, he has maintained a strong bond with his roots and frequently returns to Brazil to spend time with his loved ones.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Height | 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) |
| Parents | Maria Soares (Mother), Edmilson Soares (Father) |
| Current Club | Juventus |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | 26 |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated at $10 million |
Career
Early Club Career
Douglas Luiz began his professional career with Vasco da Gama in 2016, making 35 appearances and scoring 5 goals. His performances in Brazil’s Série B league caught the attention of European scouts, leading to a transfer to Manchester City in 2017. However, due to work permit challenges, he was loaned to Girona FC in Spain, where he gained invaluable experience in La Liga over two seasons.
Aston Villa
In 2019, Luiz signed with Aston Villa, where he quickly became an integral part of the team. Over five years, he made 175 appearances and scored 20 goals. His consistent performances, including vital contributions in both attack and defense, earned him recognition as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders.
Juventus
In 2024, Luiz made a high-profile move to Juventus. At the Italian club, he has continued to excel, solidifying his reputation as a versatile midfielder with exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and defensive capabilities. His performances for Juventus have made him a key player in Serie A and attracted attention from top European clubs, including Manchester City.
International Career
Douglas Luiz debuted for the Brazilian national team in 2019 and has since been a regular fixture in the squad. He represented Brazil in the 2020 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal. His contributions to the national team highlight his ability to perform at the highest level on the international stage.
Douglas Luiz’s journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated footballer, is a testament to his hard work, talent, and resilience.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Douglas Luiz possesses a balanced physique ideal for a central midfielder. His agility and strength enable him to navigate the midfield effectively, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, Douglas Luiz’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This valuation reflects his earnings from professional contracts, endorsements, and other ventures associated with his football career.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @dgoficial | ||
| @dgoficial | ||
| Douglas Luiz |
Latest News about Douglas Luiz
As of January 18, 2025, Douglas Luiz is making headlines due to Manchester City’s reported interest in re-signing him from Juventus. The central midfielder has been in stellar form for Juventus since his transfer in 2024, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is said to view Luiz as a valuable addition to strengthen the team’s midfield depth for the ongoing Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaigns. This potential move has sparked significant buzz among fans and analysts, highlighting Luiz’s rising prominence in European football.
