Marquinhos

Brazilian footballer Marquinhos was born on May 14, 1994, in São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up playing football and developed a passion for the sport at a young age. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he honed his skills and dedicated himself to becoming a professional player, which eventually led him to join the youth academy of Corinthians, a top football club in Brazil.

Marquinhos made his debut for the Brazilian national team on November 18, 2012, in a friendly match against Chile. This marked the beginning of his international career, where he would go on to establish himself as a key defender for the national team. His performance in the match showcased his defensive abilities and potential, earning him further consideration for future national team selections.

In July 2013, Marquinhos transferred from AS Roma to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a fee reported to be around 31.4 million Euros, making him one of the most expensive teenage transfers at the time. This move to the French capital marked a significant step in his career, as he joined a team with a strong track record of success both domestically and in European competitions. At PSG, Marquinhos developed further under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside world-class teammates.

Marquinhos scored his first competitive goal for Paris Saint-Germain on August 12, 2014, in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Bayer Leverkusen. Behind his defensive prowess, Marquinhos showcased his ability to contribute to the team's offense as well. His contributions were instrumental in securing the win and advancing PSG in the prestigious tournament, which helped cement his role as an integral player for the team.

Marquinhos was part of the Brazilian national team that won the gold medal in football at the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. This achievement marked a historic moment for Brazil as it was the first time the country had won an Olympic gold medal in football. Marquinhos played a crucial role as a defender throughout the tournament, showcasing his skills on an international stage and helping his team achieve victory in the final against Germany.

Marquinhos scored his first international goal for the Brazilian senior team on September 1, 2016, during a World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador. His goal contributed to Brazil's victory, and it was a milestone moment in his international career, highlighting his offensive contributions as well as his defensive skills. This goal not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his position as a versatile player in the national squad.

On April 14, 2020, Marquinhos was appointed as the captain of Paris Saint-Germain, taking over from Thiago Silva. This appointment was a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he had garnered within the team over the years. As captain, Marquinhos played a pivotal role in guiding PSG to various domestic successes and significant performances in European competitions, including leading the team to the UEFA Champions League final in 2020.

In a heated Ligue 1 match between PSG and Marseille on October 4, 2020, Marquinhos was involved in a match that ended controversially with 14 yellow cards and 5 red cards being issued. Although Marquinhos himself was not sent off, the match was marred by altercations and tension, reflecting the intense rivalry between the two clubs. The event became widely discussed in the media, highlighting the high stakes and pressures of top-level football in France.

On March 10, 2021, Marquinhos scored a crucial goal for PSG in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against FC Barcelona. This goal helped secure PSG's progression to the quarter-finals of the tournament, affirming Marquinhos's role as both a defensive stalwart and an important contributor to the team's attack. His performances in such high-profile matches have continued to enhance his reputation as one of the top defenders in world football.

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Marquinhos faced a heartbreaking moment during the quarter-final match against Croatia on December 18, 2022. In a tense penalty shootout, he missed a crucial penalty, leading to Brazil's elimination from the tournament. This event was a significant moment in his career, as fans and analysts reflected on the unpredictability and intensity of international football competitions.