Lodi's journey began in Serrana, a small town nestled in São Paulo, Brazil. His early life wasn't exactly a fairytale. His parents went their separate ways when he was just three years old, and finances were often tight. To scrape together enough money for bus tickets to training, he would collect and sell cans for recycling. Can you imagine a young kid juggling school, football practice, and collecting recyclables just to keep his dream alive? That was Lodi's reality.
His big break came when he was 13, joining Athletico Paranaense's youth academy. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Coaches decided to switch him from playing as a winger to left-back, and he initially hated the change. But as it turned out, it was the best decision for his career. By the age of 18, he was already making his debut in Brazil's top league. Fast forward to age 21, and he was on his way to Atlético Madrid for a cool €20 million. Not too shabby for someone who nearly quit after struggling with Simeone's grueling preseason workouts!
Lodi is the kind of full-back that managers dream of having on their team. He's fast, relentless, and always giving 100%. During his time at Atlético, he mastered Simeone's 4-4-2 system, becoming a defensive rock while also surging forward to deliver crosses. Remember that time he completely shut down Mohamed Salah in the Champions League? That showcases his defensive prowess.
Lodi’s game is all about balance. As a left-back, he’s defensively solid but loves to attack. His left foot is a wand—whether he’s whipping in crosses or cutting inside to shoot. Over the last 50 matches, he’s played 36 times as a left defender, seven as a left midfielder, and even seven as a defensive mid, showing his flexibility. Let's break down his key strengths: