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| Alexandre Pato | |
|---|---|
| Name | Alexandre Pato |
| Fullname | Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva |
| Birth date | 1989-09-02 |
| Birth place | Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil |
| Height | 1.77 m |
| Position | Forward |
| Youthclubs | Juventude, Internacional |
| Seniorclubs | Internacional, Milan, Corinthians, São Paulo, Villarreal, Sport Recife, Chelsea (loan), Atlético Paranaense |
| Nationalteam | Brazil |
Alexandre Pato is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Renowned for his early breakthrough at Internacional and his transfer to Milan, he combined pace, dribbling, and finishing to earn caps for the Brazil national team. Pato's career intersected with major clubs and competitions across Serie A, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, UEFA Champions League, and international tournaments.
Born in Pato Branco, Paraná, Pato progressed through local sides before joining Juventude and later the academy of Internacional. As a youth he attracted attention from scouts linked to São Paulo, Grêmio, Santos, River Plate and European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. He made his professional debut for Internacional in state competition against rivals such as Grêmio and participated in fixtures in the Campeonato Gaúcho, drawing comparisons to youngsters like Robinho, Neymar, Kaká, and Ronaldo.
Pato signed for Milan where he became one of the youngest scorers in Serie A history, contributing in matches against clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, Lazio, and Fiorentina. During his time at Milan he played alongside teammates such as Kaká, Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thiago Silva, Gennaro Gattuso, and managers including Carlo Ancelotti, Massimiliano Allegri, and Filippo Inzaghi. Injuries interrupted seasons that included appearances in the UEFA Champions League against opponents like Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
After Milan, Pato returned to Brazil with Corinthians, reuniting with Brazilians such as Jô, Paulinho, Roberto Carlos, and participating in competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Loan moves and transfers followed, including spells at São Paulo, Villarreal, and Sport Recife, where he faced clubs such as Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras and Santos. His club career also featured encounters with international managers and administrators across Europa League ties and continental friendlies.
Pato represented Brazil U20 and was selected for the senior Brazil national team. He made appearances in FIFA World Cup qualifying cycles, friendlies against nations including Argentina, France, and Spain, and in tournaments such as the FIFA Confederations Cup and Copa América. Working under national coaches like Dunga, Carlos Alberto Parreira, and Mano Menezes, he formed part of attack options alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa, and compatriots Robinho, Neymar, Luis Fabiano, and Fred.
Pato was noted for his acceleration, close control, and left-footed finishing, drawing stylistic comparisons with Adriano, Baptista, Batistuta and Romário. Analysts in La Gazzetta dello Sport and international outlets compared his trajectory to prodigies such as Kylian Mbappé, Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling, and Neymar Jr.. Pundits from Sky Sports, ESPN, BBC Sport, and Marca discussed his potential and the impact of recurrent injuries similar to careers of Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, and Michael Owen. Supporters at clubs including Milan and Corinthians celebrated goals in derbies and cup ties against rivals such as Inter Milan, SS Lazio, and Gremio.
Off the pitch Pato's profile intersected with figures from Brazilian television, fashion and celebrity culture, attracting media attention alongside personalities like Gisele Bündchen, Adriane Galisteu, Barbara Berlusconi, and sports agents associated with Mino Raiola and Pini Zahavi. He has been involved in charity events linked to UNICEF and regional foundations in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. His personal relationships and lifestyle were covered by outlets such as Folha de S.Paulo, O Globo, La Repubblica, and Corriere della Sera.
Pato's club record includes appearances and goals across competitions for clubs such as Internacional, Milan, Corinthians, São Paulo, Villarreal, and Sport Recife. His international tally for Brazil comprises caps and goals scored in friendlies, qualifiers, and tournaments like the FIFA Confederations Cup and Copa América. Statistical databases maintained by FIFA, CONMEBOL, UEFA, Transfermarkt, Opta Sports, and Soccerbase record his minutes, goals, assists, and injury absences.
Pato won team honours with Internacional in domestic competitions and with Milan in Serie A campaigns and European competitions, alongside individual awards including Golden Boy nominations, Serie A Young Footballer of the Year considerations, and selections in seasonal lists by IFFHS, ESPN, and France Football. He earned international honours with Brazil in youth and senior setups, contributing to successes in regional tournaments and invitational cups.
Category:Brazilian footballers Category:People from Pato Branco Category:1989 births Category:Living people