Lucas Paquetá (Born 1997): Age, Net Worth, Salary, Career & Current Team

Lucas Paquetá is a Brazilian attacking midfielder who returned to Flamengo in 2026 after four seasons at West Ham United. A natural playmaker with elite technique and vision, he is a key figure in Brazil’s plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026. His creativity and goal-scoring record make him one of South America’s most complete midfielders.

Who is Lucas Paquetá?

Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, known as Lucas Paquetá, is a Brazilian attacking midfielder born on 27 August 1997 in Rio de Janeiro. He plays for Flamengo after returning from West Ham United in 2026. Paquetá has earned 61 senior caps and scored 12 goals for Brazil. He won the 2019 Copa América and the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023.

Early Life and Background

Lucas Paquetá was born on 27 August 1997 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in the city where he would later become a professional player. His natural flair for football emerged in childhood, drawing him towards the beautiful game at a young age.

He joined Flamengo’s renowned youth academy in 2007 at just ten years old. That environment shaped his technical base and tactical intelligence over many years. He rose through the ranks and won the 2016 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior before earning a first-team opportunity.

Birthplace, family, and youth football journey

Paquetá spent nine years in Flamengo’s youth system from 2007 to 2016. He represented the club at every age group before stepping up to the senior squad. His progression was steady and deliberate, with coaches developing his ability to play between the lines. That foundation made him one of the most technically gifted midfielders to emerge from Flamengo’s academy.

Lucas Paquetá Personal Info and Profile

Transfer News and Market Value

Paquetá made his first major transfer when AC Milan signed him from Flamengo in 2019. He then moved to Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 and spent two productive seasons in France. West Ham United signed him in 2022 in a deal that made him one of the most expensive Brazilian players in Premier League history. He returned to Flamengo in 2026 after four seasons in east London.

His market value peaked during his time at West Ham, where he scored 16 league goals in 110 appearances. FA and FIFA betting investigations in 2023 and 2024 created uncertainty around his future, but he was cleared of all charges in July 2025. His return to Flamengo signals a new chapter in his career ahead of the World Cup.

Lucas Paquetá Salary and Net Worth

Lucas Paquetá’s weekly salary details will be updated soon.

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Lucas Paquetá Club Career

Paquetá made his professional debut for Flamengo in 2016 and scored 15 goals in 67 appearances. AC Milan signed him in January 2019 and he made 37 appearances in Serie A. A move to Lyon in 2020 saw him produce 18 goals in 67 league games, earning Ligue 1 recognition. West Ham paid a significant fee to bring him to the Premier League in 2022.

Early clubs and development

At Flamengo, Paquetá developed into a commanding presence in attacking midfield. He scored 15 goals in his 67 appearances for the club between 2016 and 2019. AC Milan’s interest validated his growth and gave him his first taste of Serie A. He struggled for consistency in Italy but found his best form after moving to Lyon.

At Lyon, Paquetá became one of the best midfielders in France. He scored 18 goals in 67 Ligue 1 matches across two seasons. The 2020-21 season saw him named to the Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year. That form persuaded West Ham to make him their marquee signing in the summer of 2022.

Current club and recent form

Paquetá returned to Flamengo in 2026 and has scored six goals in 16 appearances since joining. He brings European top-flight experience to the Brazilian league. His return to the club where he made his name adds a familiar dimension to his game. Flamengo fans have welcomed him back warmly.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Paquetá’s form at Flamengo is crucial to his national team hopes. Brazil’s coach needs creative players who can unlock defences in tight tournament games. Paquetá’s technique, movement, and goal threat make him a strong candidate for a prominent role in the squad.

Lucas Paquetá — Club Career Stats

International Career

Lucas Paquetá made his debut for the Brazil national team and quickly became a regular under various coaches. He has earned 61 senior caps and scored 12 goals at international level. His ability to play behind the striker or as a wide attacking midfielder gives Brazil tactical flexibility.

Paquetá played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and featured in three Copa América tournaments in 2019, 2021, and 2024. He won the 2019 Copa América with Brazil and was a runner-up in 2021. His technical ability and composure in big games make him central to Brazil’s 2026 plans alongside Raphinha and Vinicius Jr.

Caps, goals, and major tournaments

Paquetá’s 61 senior caps put him among the most experienced players in Brazil’s current squad. His 12 international goals show he contributes directly in front of goal. He has appeared at a World Cup and multiple Copa América tournaments, giving him the experience Brazil values at a home tournament.

Honours and Trophies

Playing Style and Key Strengths

Paquetá is an attacking midfielder who thrives in tight spaces. His first touch and close control allow him to turn quickly and find passes under pressure. He plays with intelligence rather than speed, reading situations before the ball arrives. His ability to score and create from midfield makes him a dual threat for any opponent.

He can play as a number ten, a wide forward, or a second striker depending on the system. Under different coaches, Paquetá has adapted his positioning while retaining his creative instincts. His left-footed shots from outside the box and his movement into channels trouble organised defences. He also works hard off the ball, pressing to win possession high up the pitch.

Position, role, and standout qualities

Paquetá’s standout qualities include his technical finesse, vision, and composure in big moments. He excels as a playmaker who connects midfield and attack. His positional intelligence means he finds pockets of space between the lines. These qualities make him a natural fit for Brazil’s fluid attacking system at World Cup level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Lucas Paquetá is one of Brazil’s most gifted attacking midfielders of his generation. His journey from the Flamengo academy through AC Milan, Lyon, and West Ham United reflects a career built on technical excellence. Now back at Flamengo with 61 caps and major trophies to his name, he is a strong contender for a key role in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Check fwctimes.com for updated stats, squad news, and the full FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule throughout the tournament.