Introduction
Alexandre de Almeida Santos, commonly known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on 24 February 1993 in Santos, São Paulo. A prolific striker, he is known for his pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing. Pato’s career began at his hometown club Santos, where he made a memorable debut in the 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Over the following decade, he played for several top European clubs, notably AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Liverpool, as well as clubs in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Despite early promise, his career has been marked by injuries and inconsistent form, which prevented him from reaching the full potential suggested by his early achievements.
Early Life and Youth Career
Alexandre Pato was born to a modest family in Santos, a city renowned for its footballing heritage. His father, a mechanic, encouraged him to pursue sport, and his mother, a schoolteacher, emphasized the importance of education. Growing up in a neighborhood with numerous football pitches, Pato displayed an aptitude for the game from a young age.
At the age of six, he joined the youth ranks of Santos FC, the club that had nurtured legends such as Pelé and Neymar. Within the youth system, Pato progressed rapidly, catching the attention of coaches with his combination of dribbling ability, vision, and finishing. He played primarily as an attacking midfielder but was frequently deployed as a forward due to his instinctive goal-scoring instincts.
During the 2009–10 season, Pato was part of the Santos under‑19 squad that finished as runners‑up in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub‑20. The following season he was promoted to the senior squad under manager Muricy Ramalho, who had a reputation for integrating youth talent into the first team. Pato's early training at Santos emphasized technical proficiency and positional awareness, forming the foundation for his later playing style.
Club Career
Santos (2011–2013)
Pato made his professional debut for Santos on 6 August 2011, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 victory against Vitória in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. His first senior goal arrived on 25 November 2011, a late header that secured a 2–2 draw with Atlético Mineiro. In his debut season, he made 12 league appearances and scored two goals.
The 2012 season saw Pato establish himself as a regular first‑team player. He finished the campaign with 28 appearances and six goals, contributing significantly to Santos’s 2012 Copa Libertadores campaign where they finished as runners‑up. Despite his growing reputation, Santos struggled to maintain league consistency, and the club was relegated from Série A in 2013 after a poor campaign.
During the 2013 season, Pato played 12 league matches, scoring two goals. He was praised for his agility and the ability to create chances from limited space. His performances drew interest from clubs across Europe, and he became a highly sought-after prospect among top European teams.
AC Milan (2013–2015)
In December 2013, AC Milan announced the acquisition of Pato from Santos for a reported fee of €10 million. The move was seen as a statement of intent by the Italian club to recruit promising South American talent. Pato signed a five‑year contract and was assigned the number 11 shirt.
His Serie A debut came on 22 February 2014 in a 1–0 win against Cagliari. He scored his first goal for the Rossoneri on 4 March 2014, a long‑range strike in a 3–0 victory over Genoa. Pato finished his first season with 12 league appearances, two goals, and an additional four appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
In the 2014–15 season, Pato struggled to secure regular playing time, with only eight league appearances and one goal. He was sent on loan to Inter Milan for the 2015–16 season, which marked the beginning of a long association with the city of Milan.
Inter Milan (Loan, 2015–2016)
On 12 July 2015, Inter Milan secured Pato on a season-long loan with an option to purchase. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Parma on 7 September 2015. The loan deal was made permanent on 13 July 2016 for a reported €3 million.
Pato’s 2015–16 season was statistically productive; he scored 12 goals in 22 Serie A appearances and helped Inter secure the Scudetto. His pace and work rate earned him a place in the starting XI for most matches.
During the 2016–17 season, he netted 15 goals in 34 league appearances. Pato's performances earned him a place in the 2016–17 Serie A Team of the Season and an award for the most prolific Brazilian striker in Italy. He was instrumental in Inter’s Coppa Italia victory, scoring a decisive goal in the 2017 final.
Juventus (2017–2019)
On 25 June 2017, Juventus announced the signing of Pato for a reported €12 million, a move that signified the club’s intent to reinforce its attacking options. He joined the squad for the 2017–18 Serie A season, wearing the number 9 shirt.
Pato’s debut for Juventus was a 1–0 loss to Lazio, but he found the net on 1 November 2017 in a 2–1 win over Sassuolo. He finished his first season with 23 appearances, 10 goals, and 5 assists. His performances were pivotal in Juventus securing their tenth consecutive Scudetto.
The 2018–19 season saw Pato suffer a severe knee injury during a Serie A match, limiting him to 13 appearances and three goals. Recovery time and the arrival of new forwards such as Ciro Immobile reduced his playing time further. Consequently, Juventus opted not to renew his contract at the end of the season.
Liverpool (2019–2020)
On 2 October 2019, Liverpool announced the signing of Pato on a two‑year deal for an undisclosed fee. The transfer was part of a strategy to add depth to the squad’s forward line. He debuted on 15 October 2019 in a 2–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Pato struggled to adapt to the Premier League's pace and tactical demands, making 18 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals. His limited impact led to the decision to terminate the contract by mutual consent on 1 August 2020.
Al Ain (2020–2022)
Following his departure from Liverpool, Pato signed with Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates on 12 September 2020. He joined a club that had recently won the domestic league and cup double, and was expected to provide experience and leadership.
In his first season, Pato played 20 league matches and scored 10 goals, helping Al Ain win the UAE Pro League. He also added three goals in 13 continental appearances, playing a key role in the club’s campaign in the AFC Champions League.
During the 2021–22 season, his form declined, with only five goals in 18 appearances. The club and the player agreed to terminate the contract in early 2022, citing mutual concerns over fitness levels.
Al‑Shabab (2022–2023)
Pato signed for Al‑Shabab SC of Saudi Arabia on 2 July 2022. He made a modest impact, scoring four goals in 14 league appearances, and helping the club secure a top‑four finish in the Saudi Professional League.
Al‑Duhail (2023–Present)
In July 2023, Pato joined Qatari club Al‑Duhail SC on a one‑year contract. He has already scored six goals in 12 league matches, demonstrating a resurgence in form. Pato’s experience and finishing ability are considered valuable assets for the club’s ambitions in continental competitions.
International Career
Alexandre Pato represented Brazil at various youth levels. He was part of the under‑20 squad that won the 2013 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, scoring two goals and earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. He made his senior debut on 11 June 2014 in a friendly against France, a match Brazil won 2–0.
Despite early promise, Pato’s senior national team career has been sporadic. He was called up for the 2015 Copa América but did not make an appearance. Subsequent call‑ups were limited, and his international caps remain at two, with no goals scored for the senior side.
Style of Play
Pato is primarily a forward, often deployed as a central striker or a second striker in a two‑forward system. His key attributes include:
- Speed and acceleration: Pato's explosive pace allows him to beat defenders in one‑to‑one situations and create space for teammates.
- Technical skill: He possesses excellent ball control and the ability to dribble in tight spaces, a trait developed during his youth training at Santos.
- Finishing: Pato is known for his clinical ability in front of goal, with a high conversion rate from shots and close-range opportunities.
- Versatility: He can adapt to various attacking roles, functioning as a target man or a supporting forward, and can drop deep to link play.
However, Pato’s career has been hampered by injuries, particularly knee problems that have limited his consistency and longevity at the top level. His physical resilience and ability to recover from injuries remain points of concern for potential suitors.
Career Statistics
Club
Below is a summary of Pato’s club appearances and goals. For detailed season-by-season data, consult official league databases.
- Santos: 40 appearances – 10 goals
- AC Milan: 20 appearances – 3 goals
- Inter Milan: 98 appearances – 35 goals
- Juventus: 41 appearances – 13 goals
- Liverpool: 18 appearances – 2 goals
- Al Ain: 38 appearances – 15 goals
- Al‑Shabab: 14 appearances – 4 goals
- Al‑Duhail: 12 appearances – 6 goals (as of July 2024)
International
- Brazil U‑20: 15 caps – 5 goals
- Brazil Senior Team: 2 caps – 0 goals
Honours
Club
- Santos
- Campeonato Paulista: 2014
- Serie A: 2015–16, 2016–17
- Serie A: 2017–18, 2018–19
- UAE Pro League: 2020–21
- Qatar Stars League: 2023–24 (to be confirmed)
International
- Brazil U‑20
- FIFA U‑20 World Cup: 2013 (Winner)
Individual Awards
- FIFA U‑20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2013
- Serie A Team of the Season: 2015–16, 2016–17
- Campeonato Paulista Best Newcomer: 2011
Personal Life
Pato was married in 2016 to a fellow Brazilian, and the couple has two children. He is known to maintain a disciplined lifestyle, focusing on nutrition and recovery to prolong his playing career. Pato has been involved in charitable initiatives in Brazil, including a foundation that supports underprivileged youth through football programs.
During his time in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Pato engaged with local communities, participating in youth coaching clinics and public service announcements promoting healthy living among adolescents.
Legacy and Impact
Alexandre Pato’s career trajectory exemplifies the challenges faced by young talents transitioning from South American football to European leagues. Early success at Santos and the under‑20 national team heralded a promising future, but injuries and adaptation difficulties limited his long-term impact at the highest level.
Despite these setbacks, Pato remains respected for his technical gifts and the influence he has had on teams in both Europe and the Middle East. His ability to adapt to various leagues and cultures, coupled with his commitment to philanthropy, has earned him admiration beyond the pitch.
In recent years, Pato has taken a more mentoring role within Al‑Duhail’s squad, offering guidance to younger forwards on the use of pace and finishing techniques. This transition underscores his continued relevance in the sport, not only as a player but also as a developmental contributor.
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