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Lukas LeyvaBrazilian footballer, midfielder of the English club Liverpool. Participant of the 2008 Olympics.
Date of Birth: 09.01.1987
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Lucas Leiva - Brazilian footballer
- Early Career and Achievements
- International Success
- Move to Liverpool
- International Debut
- Career Highlights
- Personal Awards
Lucas Leiva - Brazilian footballer
Lucas Pecchini Leiva, born on January 9, 1987, in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for the English club Liverpool. In Brazil, he is usually known by his first name Lucas, but he appeared under the name Leiva in a pre-season match for Liverpool against Portsmouth. Lucas also holds Italian citizenship. His uncle is the renowned midfielder Leivinha, who played for Atletico Madrid and the Brazilian national team in the 1970s.
Early Career and Achievements
Lucas began his career at Gremio, where he helped the club secure promotion to the top division of the Brazilian league in his first season. In the following year, his team won the Gauchao League and finished third in the Brazilian league. Lucas was honored with the Placar magazine's award for the Best Player in Brazil, a recognition previously given to players such as Zico, Falcao, Careca, Romario, Kaka, and Tevez.
In October 2006, Lucas made two friendly appearances for the senior Brazilian national team, becoming the youngest player and one of only two non-foreign players to do so. However, these matches were not officially recognized by FIFA, so it was believed that he hadn't played for the national team until August 2007.
International Success
Lucas captained the Brazilian national team for players under 20 years old and led them to victory in the South American Championship in 2007. He was also expected to captain the team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, but an injury prevented him from participating.
Move to Liverpool
On May 13, 2007, Liverpool announced that Lucas would join the club for the 2007-2008 season. Before his move, he played in the final of the Copa Libertadores with Gremio, where they lost to Boca Juniors. Lucas made his debut for Liverpool in a friendly match against Portsmouth in July 2007.
International Debut
Lucas made his official debut for the senior Brazilian national team on August 22, coming on as a substitute in a match against Algeria.
Career Highlights
With Gremio, Lucas won the Brazilian Serie B title in 2005 and the state championship of Rio Grande do Sul in 2006 and 2007. He was also a finalist in the Copa Libertadores in 2007.
