David Luiz

Nationality

Brazilian

Date of Birth

22-04-1987

On the Pitch

David Luiz is a Brazilian centre-back known for his intensity, technique, and ability to play out from the back. His career spans Brazil and Europe, beginning at Vitória, breaking through at Benfica, and continuing with major spells at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Flamengo before moving to Cyprus. A confident ball-playing defender, Luiz is recognised for long passes, powerful shooting, and set-piece goals, combining physical strength with attacking ambition. In the 25/26 season he transferred to Pafos FC in Cyprus’s top division.

Across his career, Luiz collected major trophies in multiple countries. With Chelsea, he won the Champions League (2012), Europa League (2013, 2019), and the Premier League (2017). At PSG, he claimed several domestic titles, while Arsenal added an FA Cup in 2020. Back in Brazil, he won the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil with Flamengo. Internationally, he earned over 50 caps for Brazil, won the 2013 Confederations Cup, and played a central role at the 2014 World Cup. His leadership, emotion, and distinctive style made him one of the most recognisable defenders of his era.

Off the Pitch

Beyond football, David Luiz has cultivated a profile as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and public figure true to his upbeat personality. His family runs the Ação Social David Luiz foundation in his home state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It’s a charitable initiative led by his parents that focuses on community support and youth outreach. Moreover, Luiz is open about his faith and values; he is a devout Christian and an active member of Atletas de Cristo, a nonprofit fellowship of Christian athletes that counts stars like Kaká and Neymar among its members.

In line with his compassionate ethos, Luiz has taken on ambassadorial roles for global causes. Notably, in 2014 he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, the UN program on HIV/AIDS, lending his fame to public health campaigns and to educate youth about HIV. He has also participated in charity matches and anti-discrimination campaigns, for example joining Chelsea FC’s 2019 ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ event in Boston to promote tolerance and equality. These off-field efforts underscore Luiz’s desire to use football’s platform for positive change.

Now as his playing career is coming to an end, David Luiz still represents the positive side of football. He combines his long playing career with charity work, faith-based projects, and business interests that fit his open personality. Together, these roles show a player whose life off the pitch is just as layered and meaningful as his time on it.

Clothing Style

Extravagant

Playing Style

Defensive Warrior

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/davidluiz23

Magazine Issue

#39