9 Interesting Facts About Lucas Paquetá You Might’ve Missed
- Think Football Ideas
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
Full Name: Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima
Date of Birth: 27 August 1997
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Current Club: West Ham United
Jersey Number: 10
While Lucas Paquetá continues to ply his trade in East London, it carries the salt of island breeze, the swing of something uncoached, and the weight of a journey from childhood not easily mapped.
There's a kind of defiance in the way he moves, too loud for some, but certain, like someone who has danced through doors never fully open and left them swinging behind him.
Here Are 9 Interesting Facts About Lucas Paquetá
1. Lucas Paquetá Graduated From Flamengo's Academy, Having Arrived At Age 10
When Lucas Paquetá first walked through the gates of Flamengo’s academy in 2007, he was just 10 years old, a wiry, eager kid from Paquetá Island with a twinkle in his eye and a ball practically glued to his feet.
He rose through the ranks slowly but steadily, blending flair with an ever-growing tactical intelligence. By 2016, his youth team had clinched the coveted Copa São Paulo de Júniores, Brazil’s top youth tournament, and Lucas was quickly promoted to Flamengo’s first team. That same year, in March, he made his professional debut and signed a contract extension.
2. He Stood Just 5 Feet Tall At 15, But Grew 27 Cm By 18
At 15, Paquetá barely cast a shadow on the pitch, he stood just 5 feet tall and was often dwarfed by his teammates. But don't let the height fool you: his touch, vision, and technical skill were already making waves.
Then came a growth spurt that happened out of nowhere. By the time he was 18, he’d grown a staggering 27 centimetres (about 10.6 inches), giving him the physical presence to match his finesse. It’s no wonder Flamengo fast-tracked him to the pros.
3. His Nickname "Paquetá" Comes From Island He Grew Up In
Lucas’s nickname isn’t just a moniker, it’s a map. “Paquetá” refers to the small island and neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro where he was born and raised.
It’s a charming, quiet place where no cars are allowed, and kids grow up playing football barefoot in the streets. That nickname stuck not just because of where he’s from, but because of how much of that soulful, seaside flair he carries into his game. You can almost feel the samba in his step.
4. AC Milan Scooped Him Up After His Successes At Flamengo
After dazzling in Brazil, it didn’t take long for Europe to come calling. In October 2018, AC Milan beat out the likes of Paris Saint-Germain to seal a €35 million deal with Flamengo. Just a few months later, on January 4, 2019, Paquetá officially became a Milan player.
He made his debut a week later, on January 12, in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria, and even wore the No. 39 shirt. Milan saw in him a creative midfielder with Brazilian flair and European potential, someone who could carry the Rossoneri’s legacy forward. But he only lasted a season before Lyon signed him.
5. He Was Named Ligue 1’s Best Foreign Player in The 2021–22 Season
The 2021–22 season in France belonged to Lucas Paquetá in more ways than one. Wearing the Lyon shirt, he was unstoppable in his second season in France, gritty in the tackle, creative in transition, and slick in the final third.
His performances earned him the title of Ligue 1’s Best Foreign Player that season, a fan-voted honour that saw over 20,000 people back his brilliance. He edged out heavyweights like PSG’s Marquinhos and Lille’s Jonathan David. Not bad for a midfielder who was once overlooked for his size.
6. His Elder Brother, Matheus, is Also A Footballer
You could say the love of football came baked into the Paquetá DNA. Lucas’s older brother, Matheus, also took up the beautiful game, carving out his own path in professional football.
While Lucas’s name may echo louder on the international stage, there’s something grounding about knowing he’s not the only baller in the family. The two grew up side by side, pushing each other on dusty pitches, no doubt dreaming big together.
7. He is A Fan Of Funk Carioca
Lucas Paquetá is wild about funk carioca, the electrifying, bass-heavy sound that pumps through the favelas of Rio. His love for the genre doesn’t just stay in the headphones.
You’ll often see him break into a dance move or two after scoring, channelling the rhythm of his roots. It’s not just a celebration, it’s identity, and it’s joyful.
8. He is A Family Man
Off the pitch, Lucas is just as committed to his loved ones as he is on the ball. He’s married to Maria Eduarda Fournier, his long-time partner, and together they’ve built a life that includes two sons and a whole lot of heart.
Through transfers, pressure, and headlines, family has remained his constant. It's clear: home matters to him as much as any club badge.
9. West Ham Paid A Club Record Fee For His Services
When West Ham United came knocking in August 2022, they meant business. They splashed a club-record fee, reportedly over £50 million, to bring Paquetá to London, eclipsing the previous record set for Sébastien Haller.
And, on August 31, he made his Premier League debut in a draw against London rivals Spurs. The Hammers weren’t just buying talent; they were buying ambition.
And Lucas? He brought flair, grit, and a flash of funk to East London, helping them seal the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League.
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