Beraldo Express!

A DIAMOND TO BE POLISHED 

Born in Piracicaba, in the state of Sao Paulo, it was with his hometown club that Lucas Beraldo first touched the ball and underwent most of his training. During the summer of 2020, the young central defender, then 17 years old, caught the attention of Sao Paulo, initially joining the reserve team. Quickly, Lucas established himself as one of the mainstays of the squad, leading them to the final of the Brazilian U20 Championship in 2021. Coached by former Brazilian international Alex, the latter encouraged Hernan Crespo, coach of the first team, to give him a chance. This advice was followed to the letter by the Argentine legend, with Lucas Beraldo making his professional debut in May 2022 in a match against the Peruvians of Ayacucho in the Copa Sudamericana.

Following this, the youngster was called up to make his debut with the Brazil U20 team in a friendly against Ecuador. With consistent strong performances, including his debut in the Brazilian league, the central defender was named captain of the Seleção's U20s in September 2022 during a friendly against Uzbekistan.

Predominantly playing with the reserve team until then, 2023 would be the breakthrough year for the talented left-footer. As a regular starter right from the beginning of the season, he contributed to the team's successes in the Sao Paulo State Championship and the Copa Sudamericana, where Tricolor Paulista were beaten the quarter-finals twice. However, Lucas played a pivotal role in the club's journey in the Copa do Bresil, culminating in the club's first ever title.

Paris - sao paulo: A long tradition

Lucas Beraldo's arrival at Paris Saint-Germain further strengthens the connection between the two clubs, who have already conducted business on three occasions. The pioneer was none other than a Rouge et Bleu legend: Raï. In the summer of 1993, at the age of 28, the attacking midfielder decided to leave his native Brazil to join Paris, beginning an adventure that lasted for five seasons. He helped the club from the capital secure their second Ligue 1 title in 1994 and their first European trophy in 1996 with the Cup Winners' Cup. More recently, Souza and Lucas Moura also joined the club from Brazil's economic capital during the winter transfer windows of 2008 and 2013.

In the opposite direction, Dani Alves joined Tricolor Paulista from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2019. Lucas Beraldo has therefore become the fourth transfer between Les Parisiens and Paulista, continuing the long tradition between two legendary clubs in their respective countries.

?? DID YOU KNOW ??

With Marquinhos the sole Brazilian in the Paris Saint-Germain squad during this first part of the season, Lucas Beraldo is poised to continue the long history between Paris and the "Auriverde" nation that has lasted for decades. The young defender will indeed be the 33rd Brazilian to play in Rouge et Bleu and undoubtedly seek to leave his mark on the club's history, following in the footsteps of many of his predecessors.