Brazilian · Diadema, Brazil · Born 22 April 1987Flamboyant and technically gifted Brazilian centre-back whose adventurous style and curly hair made him one of the most recognisable defenders of his era.
David Luiz Moreira Marinho was born in Diadema, São Paulo on 22 April 1987. One of the most technically accomplished defenders of his generation, David Luiz was renowned for his ball-playing ability, long-range passing and powerful shooting from free kicks. He began at Vitória before joining Benfica, where he won two Primeira Liga titles. Chelsea signed him in 2011 for £21.3m and he became a cult figure, winning the Champions League in 2012, the Europa League in 2013 and the FA Cup in 2015 and 2018. A £50m move to PSG in 2014 saw him win multiple Ligue 1 titles before returning to Chelsea. He later joined Arsenal, winning the FA Cup in 2020. Internationally, he earned 66 caps for Brazil — his defining international moment being Brazil's traumatic 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup, where he conceded several goals.
Winning the Champions League and helping Brazil reach the 2014 World Cup semi-finals
He conceded two goals in Brazil's catastrophic 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup on home soil — one of the most shocking results in football history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Ball-playing centre-back with excellent passing range and aerial prowess
Lasting Impact
Versatile defender who won major trophies in three different leagues
Career Honours
- Champions League 2012
- Europa League 2013
- FA Cup 2012, 2018, 2020
- Ligue 1 2015, 2016
- Ligue 1 2015
- Ligue 1 2016
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitória | 2006–2007 | 43 | 11 | #23 |
| Chelsea | 2011–2014 | 70 | 10 | #14 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2014–2019 | 155 | 21 | #8 |
| Arsenal | 2019–2021 | 65 | 9 | #8 |
| Flamengo | 2021–2023 | 78 | 7 | — |
| Benfica | 2007–2011 | 111 | 8 | — |
 Brazil | — | 66 | 3 | — |
Brazilian Athletes