1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Alex Sandro Lobo da Silva was born on 26 January 1991 in Catanduva, São Paulo, Brazil. He began his football journey in Brazil, developing his skills within the country's renowned youth academies.
1.1. Youth Career
Alex Sandro started his youth career in 2006 with Atlético Paranaense, where he remained until 2008. He was part of Atlético Paranaense's highly regarded youth setup, which has produced numerous talented defenders. His impressive performances in the youth teams, including a strong showing in the Copa Parana with the U-23 side, quickly brought him to prominence. His early involvement with the Brazilian youth national teams began with the Brazil under-18 setup, followed by a call-up to the under-20 side in August 2009 at the age of 18, where he debuted in a friendly match.
2. Club Career
Alex Sandro's professional club career has spanned across Brazil, Portugal, and Italy, marked by significant achievements and a consistent presence at top-tier clubs.
2.1. Atletico Paranaense
Alex Sandro earned his first call-up to the senior side of Atlético Paranaense in October 2008, at the age of 17. He made his professional debut on 18 October 2008 in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Internacional. In 2009, he played a crucial role in Atlético Paranaense's championship run in the Campeonato Paranaense, featuring in eight matches. He scored his first professional goal on 25 January 2009 against Rio Branco, skillfully passing the ball around the goalkeeper. By October 2009, he had played in nine Brasileiro matches, accumulating a total of 269 minutes on the field.
2.2. Santos FC
In 2010, Alex Sandro was signed by Santos on a two-year loan deal. During this period, Atlético Paranaense sold his registration rights to investors, using the Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado as a proxy. This arrangement meant that Deportivo Maldonado held his registration rights. According to Atlético Paranaense's 2010 financial report, the club received 1.11 M BRL from Deportivo Maldonado for transactions involving unnamed players. With Santos, he made 24 appearances and scored 1 goal in the 2010 Série A season, along with 4 appearances and 1 goal in the Copa do Brasil, and 1 appearance and 1 goal in the Campeonato Paulista, totaling 29 appearances and 3 goals. In 2011, he played 6 Série A matches, 11 Copa Libertadores matches, and 7 Campeonato Paulista matches, making 24 appearances without scoring.
2.3. Porto
On 23 July 2011, Portuguese Primeira Liga club Porto officially signed Alex Sandro from Deportivo Maldonado for a transfer fee of 9.60 M EUR. He signed a five-year contract with Porto, which included a release clause set at 50.00 M EUR. During his tenure at Porto, he contributed to the club winning the Primeira Liga in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. He also won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2011, 2012, and 2013. His time at Porto saw him make 87 league appearances, scoring 3 goals, and participate in European competitions, helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2014-15 season.
2.4. Juventus FC
Alex Sandro joined Italian Serie A champions Juventus on 20 August 2015, for a transfer fee of 26.00 M EUR, signing a five-year contract. He was given the number 12 jersey.
His debut for Juventus came on 12 September 2015, in a 1-1 home draw against Chievo in Serie A. Despite a difficult start to the season for Juventus, Alex Sandro played a key role in the team's resurgence, which began with a late victory in the Turin derby on 31 October. On 21 November 2015, he assisted Paulo Dybala's winning goal with a cross in a 1-0 Serie A victory over AC Milan. Four days later, on 25 November, he provided another winning assist to Mario Mandžukić in a 1-0 home win against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, securing Juventus's spot in the round of 16. His first goal for Juventus, and his first in Serie A, was scored on 17 January 2016, from the edge of the 18-yard box in a 4-0 away win over Udinese. In February 2016, Alex Sandro suffered a rectus femoris muscle injury, sidelining him for ten days and causing him to miss the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Bayern Munich. He returned for the second leg in Munich, where Juventus was eliminated despite his strong individual performance. He concluded his first season in Turin by winning a Serie A-Coppa Italia double, coming on as a substitute in the Coppa Italia final against Milan.
In the 2016-17 season, despite scoring an own goal in a 3-1 away defeat to Genoa, Alex Sandro maintained his impressive form. His consistent performances led to him displacing Patrice Evra as the starting left-back, with Evra eventually moving to Marseille in January 2017. Alex Sandro made 43 appearances across all competitions, 11 more than the previous season, becoming one of coach Massimiliano Allegri's most frequently used players. He also improved his goalscoring, netting three times in the league as Juventus secured their third consecutive domestic league and cup double. The team reached the UEFA Champions League final, where they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid. Alex Sandro played a key role in Mario Mandžukić's temporary equalizer, providing the cross. However, his performance in the second half was less convincing, and one of his mistakes contributed to a goal by his former Brazil Under-20 and Porto teammate Casemiro. Prior to the final, he was vital in the Bianconeri (Juventus's nickname) run, particularly in the quarter-finals against Barcelona, where his excellent defensive displays helped neutralize Lionel Messi and secure clean sheets in both legs.
For the 2017-18 season, his third with Juventus, Alex Sandro made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals, all in Serie A. He concluded the season by winning his third consecutive domestic double with the club.
On 23 October 2018, Alex Sandro made his 50th UEFA Champions League appearance (excluding qualifying rounds) in a 1-0 away win over Manchester United. He reached his 100th Serie A appearance for Juventus on 30 March 2019, in a 1-0 home victory against Empoli. In the subsequent league match on 2 April, a 2-0 away win over Cagliari, he marked his 150th appearance for the club. On 20 April, he scored the temporary equalizer as Juventus came from behind to defeat rivals Fiorentina 2-1 at home, securing the Serie A title.
In the 2019-20 Serie A season, on 24 August 2019, Alex Sandro assisted Giorgio Chiellini's goal in a 1-0 away win against Parma on the opening match day. On 18 December, he provided two assists, one for Paulo Dybala and another for Cristiano Ronaldo, in a 2-1 away win against Sampdoria.
On 25 May 2024, Alex Sandro scored his final goal for Juventus from a header in his last game for the club, contributing to a 2-0 Serie A victory against Monza. This result saw Juventus finish third in the league, qualifying for the Champions League the following season. During this match, he made his 327th appearance for Juventus, equaling Pavel Nedvěd's record for the most appearances for the club by a non-Italian player.
2.5. CR Flamengo
On 26 August 2024, Alex Sandro joined Brazilian club Flamengo, marking his return to his home country after nine years with Juventus. He signed a contract with Flamengo until 31 December 2026. Alex Sandro made his debut for Flamengo on 15 September 2024, in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Vasco da Gama, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He scored his first goal for Flamengo on 2 October 2024, in a 1-0 victory over Corinthians at Maracanã, during the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-final.
3. International Career
Alex Sandro has represented Brazil at various levels, from youth teams to the senior national squad, achieving success in multiple tournaments.
3.1. Youth International Career
Alex Sandro was a key part of the "golden" youth setup at Atlético Paranaense, which produced many talented defenders. After being part of the Brazil under-18 team, he was called up to the under-20 side in August 2009. He was a member of the teams that won both the 2011 South American Youth Championship in Peru and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011. In the U-20 World Cup final against Portugal, which Brazil won 3-2 in extra-time, he played a crucial role. He later also represented the Brazil under-23 team at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where the team secured a silver medal.
3.2. Senior International Career
Alex Sandro made his senior international debut on 10 November 2011 in a 2-0 away win over Gabon. He was not selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in his home country, nor for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, despite playing in two qualifying matches for the latter. He scored his first international goal on 12 October 2018, in a 2-0 friendly away win over Saudi Arabia.
In May 2019, Alex Sandro was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa América, hosted on home soil, under manager Tite. He made a substitute appearance in Brazil's final group match on 22 June, a 5-0 win against Peru, coming on for Filipe Luís. In the quarter-final against Paraguay on 27 June, he replaced the injured Filipe Luís at half-time; Brazil advanced to the semi-finals after a 0-0 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. Alex Sandro started in the 2019 Copa América Final against Peru on 7 July, at the Maracanã Stadium, a match Brazil won 3-1, securing the title.
On 17 June 2021, he scored the opening goal in a 4-0 win over Peru in Brazil's second group match of the 2021 Copa América, also held in Brazil. On 7 November 2022, Alex Sandro was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He concluded his international career with 40 caps and 2 goals for the senior national team, with his last appearance in 2022.
4. Playing Style
Alex Sandro is characterized as a quick, energetic, and offensively-minded defender. He is known for his strong tackling abilities and excellent reading of the game, attributes that are enhanced by his speed and anticipation. He is highly versatile and capable of playing anywhere along the left flank. While primarily a full-back, he has also been deployed as a wing-back and as a wide midfielder. On occasion, he has played in more advanced positions, such as an outside forward or offensive winger, and has even been used as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man back-line. His playing style is marked by his powerful runs, ability to beat opponents one-on-one, and his excellent crossing of the ball. Due to his playing position, athleticism, and style, he has drawn comparisons to his compatriot and 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Roberto Carlos.
5. Career Statistics
This section provides comprehensive statistical data from Alex Sandro's club and international career.
5.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Atlético Paranaense | 2008 | Série A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 8 | 1 | 24 | 1 | |||
| Total | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 25 | 1 | ||
| Santos (loan) | 2010 | Série A | 24 | 1 | 4 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 29 | 3 | |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 | - | 11 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |||
| Total | 30 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 53 | 3 | ||
| Porto | 2011-12 | Primeira Liga | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| 2012-13 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 36 | 1 | ||
| 2013-14 | 26 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 48 | 0 | ||
| 2014-15 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 1 | ||
| 2015-16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 87 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 137 | 3 | ||
| Juventus | 2015-16 | Serie A | 22 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | - | 32 | 2 | |
| 2016-17 | 27 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 3 | ||
| 2017-18 | 26 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 4 | ||
| 2018-19 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 1 | ||
| 2019-20 | 29 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 1 | ||
| 2020-21 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 2 | ||
| 2021-22 | 28 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 2 | ||
| 2022-23 | 25 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | - | 37 | 0 | |||
| 2023-24 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 18 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 230 | 14 | 30 | 1 | 62 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 327 | 16 | ||
| Flamengo | 2024 | Série A | 7 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | 13 | 1 | |
| Career total | 371 | 18 | 45 | 3 | 104 | 1 | 35 | 2 | 555 | 24 | ||
5.2. International Statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2011 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | 40 | 2 | |
:Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Alex Sandro goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 12 October 2018 | King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | السعوديةSaudi ArabiaArabic | 2-0 | 2-0 | Friendly | |
| 2. | 17 June 2021 | Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | PerúPeruSpanish | 1-0 | 4-0 | 2021 Copa América |
6. Honours
Alex Sandro has accumulated numerous individual and team honours throughout his professional career, reflecting his consistent performance at the highest level of football.
6.1. Club Honours
Santos
- Copa do Brasil: 2010
- Copa Libertadores: 2011
- Campeonato Paulista: 2010, 2011
Porto
- Primeira Liga: 2011-12, 2012-13
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2011, 2012, 2013
Juventus
- Serie A: 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20
- Coppa Italia: 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, 2023-24
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2018, 2020
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2016-17
Flamengo
- Copa do Brasil: 2024
- Supercopa do Brasil: 2025
6.2. International Honours
Brazil U20
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2011
- South American U-20 Championship: 2011
Brazil U23
- Olympic Games: Silver Medal (2012)
Brazil
- Copa América: 2019
- Superclásico de las Américas: 2018
6.3. Individual Awards
- O Jogo Team of the Year: 2012, 2013
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2016-17, 2017-18
- FIFA FIFPro World11 nominee: 2019 (20th defender)