David Luiz
A mercurial, free-kick specialist defender whose moments of sublime skill and occasional chaos made him one of football's most compelling characters.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: April 22·Millennials
Biography
David Luiz's career is a study in fascinating contrasts: a central defender capable of both breathtaking elegance and bewildering lapses, always playing on the edge of disaster and genius. With his distinctive afro and beaming smile, he became a cult figure, winning major trophies across Europe with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Benfica. He possessed a midfielder's technical skill, often stepping up to deliver devastating free-kicks or long-range passes. His 2012 Champions League triumph with Chelsea, where he played through injury in the final, is legendary, yet his performances could polarize pundits. More than just a player, he was an emotional leader, beloved by teammates for his infectious personality. His later years saw him become a veteran presence, bringing his unique brand of chaotic brilliance to leagues from Brazil to Turkey, forever unforgettable.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, playing a key role in the knockout stages and final.
- Lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy twice, with Chelsea in 2013 and again in 2019.
- Won league titles in four different countries: Portugal, England, France, and Brazil.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Christian and has spoken openly about his faith.
He played as a defensive midfielder early in his career at Benfica before moving to center-back.
He and his close friend Thiago Silva have been both teammates and defensive partners for club and country.
“I play with my heart. Sometimes I make mistakes, but I always give everything.”
