Lucas Paquetá
A Brazilian midfielder whose elegant, unpredictable style of play brings a touch of samba flair to the modern game.
Born 1997 (age 29)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: August 27·Generation Z
Biography
Lucas Paquetá emerged from the famed academy of CR Flamengo, a club whose attacking philosophy is woven into his DNA. His early career in Rio showcased a rare blend of technical grace and physical tenacity, catching the eye of European giants. A move to AC Milan in 2019 placed him in the intense spotlight of Serie A, where his adaptability was tested. His journey continued in the Premier League with West Ham United, where he evolved into a crucial, creative force, demonstrating that Brazilian ingenuity could thrive in England's most demanding league. For the Brazilian national team, Paquetá represents a bridge between the country's rich footballing heritage and a new, globally-tested generation, often being the player who unlocks stubborn defenses with a moment of unexpected brilliance.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Lucas was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lucas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Lucas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019.
- Scored the decisive penalty to win the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League for West Ham United.
- Named in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year in 2018.
- Became West Ham United's record signing when he joined the club in 2022.
Did You Know?
He is known for celebrating goals with a 'double guitar' gesture, a tribute to his father who was in a band.
His nickname, Paquetá, comes from the Rio de Janeiro island where his family is from.
He made his professional debut for Flamengo at the age of 18 in 2016.
He is a devout Christian and often points to the sky after scoring.
“I always try to play with joy. That's the Brazilian way.”
