Luiz Alberto do Nascimento Braga (born 12 April 1988), known better as Datinha, is a Brazilian beach soccer player who currently plays as a defender. A versatile player, he has previously been designated as a forward and a midfielder during his career.[1][2]
 Datinha at the 2019 South American Beach Games. | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Luiz Alberto do Nascimento Braga | ||
| Date of birth | 12 April 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Tutóia, Maranhão, Brazil | ||
| Height | 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2012– | Brazil | 145 | (110) |
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 November 2022 | |||
Previously a fisherman, Datinha, described as "shy", began pursuing beach soccer seriously in 2010, playing in his local State Championship in Maranhão, and subsequently the Brazilian National Championship. He was first called up to the Brazil national team in 2012.[3]
He went on to win the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup representing Brazil and claimed the Bronze Ball (third best player) award at the competition; he has also appeared at four other World Cups (2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021).[4] In addition, he was named as one of the world's best three players at the 2018 Beach Soccer Stars awards.[5]
Datinha is also a longtime member of Russian club Kristall, having scored over 200 goals and played in nearly 300 games for the team across all competitions between 2012 and 2021, during which time he has been a European champion four times and Russian league champion on six occasions.[6] He was persuaded by fellow Brazilian internationals Bruno Xavier and Jorginho to pursue beach soccer in Russia. Fellow Brazilian association footballer Hulk has been an inspiration to Datinha during his career.[7] He also continues to play for Sampaio Corrêa in Brazil.[4]
- Country
- Club
As of July 2021
The following is a selection, not an exhaustive list, of the major international honours Datinha has achieved:[4]
Country |
Club
|
Individual
|
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