Biography
Who is Luisão?
Early life and professional beginnings
Luisão: Born in Amparo, Brazil, he began his football path with Clube Atlético Juventus. In 1999 he played there before moving to Cruzeiro Esporte Clube the following year. He spent three seasons at Cruzeiro, where he developed his skills as a defender. During his third season there, he recorded 24 appearances and scored 6 goals. This period in his home country prepared him for a move to European football.
Career with Benfica
In 2003, he signed with the Portuguese club Benfica. The transition to Portugal brought initial challenges as he adjusted to a new environment, but he soon became a key player. Over the next fifteen years, he established himself as a central figure in the team's defense. He appeared in 538 official matches for the club, which remains a well-known statistic.
During his time in Lisbon, he became the team's longest-serving captain, wearing the armband in 414 matches. His leadership helped the club secure 20 major titles, including several league championships. He retired from professional football in 2018 after a highly successful tenure.
International performance
He represented his home nation on 44 occasions throughout his career. His international debut occurred on July 23, 2001, during a match against Honduras in the Copa América. He played in two World Cup tournaments and three Copa América competitions for Brazil.
He was part of the squad that won the 2004 Copa América, playing in all six matches for the team. Also, he participated in the 2009 Confederations Cup, where he helped secure a victory against the United States in the final.
Personal life and family
He has two younger brothers, Alex Silva and Andrei Silva, who also pursued careers as football defenders. As a member of Atletas de Cristo, he shares his faith with other Brazilian evangelical athletes. In 2016, he married Brenda Mattar. The couple has two daughters named Sophia and Valentina. They finalized their divorce in 2022.
Standing at 193 centimeters, he maintained a physical presence on the pitch throughout his professional years. He has faced scrutiny during his career, including a 2012 incident where he was accused of pushing a referee, which resulted in a suspension and fine. He also dealt with an on-field disagreement with a teammate in 2008.
Birthday and age
Luisão was born on February 13, 1981, which makes Luisão 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Luisão shares the date with 23 other famous people.
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