David Luiz Moreira Marinho is a professional association football player from Diadema, Brazil, who has established himself as a prominent centre-back across major European and domestic leagues. Since beginning his senior career in 2006, he has earned over 50 caps for the Brazilian national team and has secured titles including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and various domestic cups.
Early Career and Move to Europe
Born in 1987, David Luiz developed through the youth ranks at São Paulo before moving to Vitória in Salvador. Initially deployed as a defensive midfielder, he shifted to central defence, a position where he excelled. After making his debut in 2006 and helping Vitória gain promotion from the third division, he joined Portuguese club Benfica in 2007. He spent five seasons with the club, eventually becoming vice-captain and a central figure in their 2009–10 Primeira Liga title-winning campaign, during which he was named Portuguese Liga Player of the Year.
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In January 2011, he moved to Chelsea for a fee of €25 million. His impact was immediate, earning the Premier League Player of the Month award in March 2011. During his first tenure, he contributed to the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League title and a UEFA Europa League win. In 2014, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for £50 million, a world record fee for a defender at the time. He won all four major French domestic trophies over two seasons before returning to Chelsea in 2016 for £30 million to win the Premier League and another Europa League title.
International and Later Career
David Luiz made his international debut for Brazil in 2010. He played a significant role in the team that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. He has represented Brazil in two editions of the Copa América. Following his time in London, he moved to Arsenal in 2019 and subsequently returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo in 2021. He continues his career currently as a defender for the Cypriot First Division club Pafos.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 April 1987, Diadema, Brazil
- Primary Position: Centre-back
- International Debut: 2010
- Religion: Evangelicalism
- Notable Transfer: £50 million to Paris Saint-Germain (2014)
- Significant Club: Benfica (2007–2011)
- Current Club: Pafos
- Language: Portuguese
Questions readers ask
Which positions does David Luiz play?
He is primarily a centre-back but has also been deployed as a defensive midfielder.
Has David Luiz won a UEFA Champions League title?
Yes, he won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea during the 2011–12 season.
