David Luiz Moreira Marinho was born on 22 April 1987 and is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Flamengo.
37 Facts About David Luiz
2.
David Luiz is primarily a centre back but can be deployed as a defensive midfielder.
3.
David Luiz transferred to local rivals Arsenal in 2019 before returning to his home country to play for Flamengo in 2021.
4.
David Luiz made his full international debut for Brazil in 2010 and has since earned over 50 caps for his country.
5.
David Luiz was a member of the Brazilian teams which won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and has represented his nation in two editions of the Copa America.
6.
On 30 January 2007, David Luiz joined Portuguese club Benfica as a replacement for Tottenham Hotspur-bound Ricardo Rocha, on loan.
7.
David Luiz made a somewhat tumultuous debut for the club in a UEFA Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, partnering compatriot Anderson in the centre of defence, replacing the injured Luisao.
8.
On 12 March 2007, David Luiz played his first league match for Benfica, against Uniao de Leiria.
9.
However, David Luiz only managed eight appearances in the league due to injury as Benfica finished fourth.
10.
On 11 January 2009, David Luiz scored his first goal for Benfica, the match's only goal in a home success against Braga.
11.
David Luiz played most of the campaign as a left back, at the expense of Portuguese international Jorge Ribeiro.
12.
David Luiz was ever-present, appearing in 49 matches, as Benfica won the league after a five-year wait.
13.
Instantly becoming a cult hero amongst the Chelsea fans, David Luiz was awarded the Barclays Man of the Match award for his performance, despite giving away a penalty in the 93rd minute of the match, which was saved by Petr Cech.
14.
On 22 September 2012, David Luiz signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea.
15.
David Luiz was seen smiling while lying on the ground before writhing around in mock agony.
16.
David Luiz defended himself, saying he was smiling at the Manchester United fans who could be seen screaming insults and laughing at him.
17.
David Luiz was seen as a surprise inclusion in the FIFA World Team of the Year at the 2014 Ballon d'Or awards.
18.
David Luiz apologised for celebrating the goal, saying that it was the result of sudden emotion rather than malice towards his former employers.
19.
David Luiz became the third player to be sent-off in the last three meetings between the two rivals from London; with the others being Pedro during the FA Community Shield and Victor Moses during the FA Cup Final.
20.
David Luiz received the number 23 shirt for the club.
21.
David Luiz made his return in a Premier League match against Everton, during which he recorded his first assist for Arsenal.
22.
David Luiz then committed an error leading to City's first goal before he conceded a penalty and was sent-off early in the second half.
23.
On 1 August 2020, David Luiz was selected to start in the FA Cup Final against his former club Chelsea, as Arsenal won their 14th FA Cup.
24.
Jimenez was sent to a London hospital and received surgery for his fractured skull, whilst David Luiz was only bandaged on the head due to a cut on his forehead.
25.
David Luiz was surprisingly allowed to play on after the incident but was subbed off at half time.
26.
David Luiz was last seen bleeding through his bandage before the half time whistle, which led to a spark of protests from both footballers and fans, demanding a 'free substitution' for those who are concussed on the pitch.
27.
On 11 September 2021, David Luiz signed a 15-month contract with Flamengo, making his return to Brazil after spending nearly 15 years playing club football in Europe.
28.
On 13 May 2023, David Luiz scored his first goal for Flamengo.
29.
David Luiz played with the Brazil under-20 team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007, with the team being ousted in the round of 16.
30.
David Luiz was present in every squad during the management of Menezes and was called up to the squad for the Copa America in 2011, but did not make a single appearance at the tournament due to injury.
31.
David Luiz was included in the squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013, which was hosted in his native Brazil.
32.
Alongside teammate Thiago Silva, David Luiz started all matches and helped Brazil win their fourth Confederations Cup title.
33.
On 2 June, David Luiz was named in Brazil's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
34.
David Luiz was a member of Brazil's squad for the 2015 Copa America in Chile.
35.
David Luiz partnered Miranda in central defence for the team's first two group matches, before being dropped for Thiago Silva, as Brazil were knocked out by Paraguay in the quarter-finals.
36.
David Luiz is a devout Evangelical Christian and has named Kaka as his role model.
37.
David Luiz is a Portuguese citizen, which was acquired during his time at Benfica.