Biography
Who is Maxi Pereira?
Early life and beginnings
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Maxi Pereira began his path in professional football with C.A. Bella Vista as a forward. He soon transferred to Defensor Sporting Club, where he transitioned into a midfielder role. He faced personal hardships during his early years, including the loss of his father and feelings of homesickness. He debuted professionally early in the decade following the start of the century.
He quickly established himself as a key player for Defensor alongside Álvaro González. By the 2005 to 2006 season, he scored 12 goals in the Primera División. After the 2006 to 2007 campaign, he moved to Europe to join S.L. Benfica.
European career at Benfica and Porto
Maxi Pereira spent eight seasons with Benfica in Portugal. He appeared in 333 official matches for the club and secured 11 major titles. Initially playing as a right midfielder, he later switched to right-back. He scored well-known goals in the UEFA Champions League, including strikes against AC Milan and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. In 2014, he reached the milestone of 300 games for Benfica.
Following his time in Lisbon, he joined FC Porto in 2015 as a replacement for Danilo. He made his competitive debut for Porto in August 2015 against Vitória S.C. During his tenure at Porto, he helped the team win the national championship in the 2017 to 2018 season. He also scored in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2018. His contract with Porto expired in June 2019.
International achievements
Maxi Pereira represented Uruguay at the international level 125 times. He participated in three World Cup tournaments and four editions of the Copa América. His biggest international achievement came in 2011 when Uruguay won the Copa América. He played every minute for his country during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, helping the team reach the semi-finals. He scored his first international goal in a match against the Netherlands.
He earned his 100th cap in March 2015 during a friendly victory against Morocco. By June 2016, he became the most capped player in the history of the Uruguay national team, surpassing Diego Forlán. He retired from international duty in November 2018.
Later career and retirement
In February 2021, Maxi Pereira returned to the Uruguayan league to sign with Club Atlético Peñarol. He made his debut in March 2021 as a substitute during a match against Club Atlético River Plate. Later that year, he scored a goal in a victory against C.A. Rentistas, contributing to the team's title win.
In January 2022, he signed for River Plate. After playing 42 games for the club, he renewed his contract before announcing his retirement on May 18.
Birthday and age
Maxi Pereira was born on June 8, 1984, which makes Maxi 42 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Maxi shares the date with 57 other famous people.
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