Renan Lodi: The Journey of a Brazilian Star
Renan Augusto Lodi dos Santos, better known as Renan Lodi, is one of the brightest names in Brazilian football today. Born on April 8, 1998, in the city of Serrana, in the interior of São Paulo, the left-back has carved out a place on the international stage with his skill, determination, and passion for the sport. Currently playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, with notable stints at clubs like Athletico Paranaense, Atlético de Madrid, Nottingham Forest, and Olympique de Marseille, Lodi stands out as a versatile and essential player on the field. This article explores Renan Lodi’s journey, from his humble beginnings to his rise as one of the most promising left-backs in world football.
Childhood and First Steps in Football
Origins in Serrana
Renan Lodi was born into a modest family in the small town of Serrana, located in the Ribeirão Preto region of São Paulo. His childhood was not easy, marked by financial and personal challenges. Raised by his father and grandparents, without the constant presence of his mother, Lodi faced difficulties that shaped his resilient character. In interviews, he has revealed that as a young boy, he sold aluminum cans to fund his training sessions, demonstrating his determination to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer from an early age.
Beginnings at Athletico Paranaense
At the age of 14, in 2012, Renan Lodi joined the youth academy of Athletico Paranaense, a club renowned for its excellence in developing young talent. His arrival at the Furacão (Hurricane) marked the beginning of a promising career. Lodi quickly stood out in the youth ranks, showcasing his ball skills, speed, and impressive ability to support the attack—qualities that would become his trademark as a left-back.
In 2016, at the age of 18, Lodi made his professional debut for Athletico Paranaense in a match against Grêmio in the Brazilian Championship. Despite the 1-0 loss, his performance caught attention for its maturity. Over the following years, he established himself as a key player in the squad under the guidance of coach Tiago Nunes.
Rise at Athletico Paranaense
Titles and Highlights with the Furacão
The year 2018 was pivotal for Renan Lodi. Under Tiago Nunes’ leadership, Athletico Paranaense won the Paraná State Championship, with Lodi being one of the team’s standout performers. That same year, the club secured the Copa Sudamericana, a historic milestone for the Furacão. Lodi was a key figure in the campaign, contributing with assists and solid performances in both defense and attack. His ability to deliver precise crosses and his vision on the pitch made him one of the most celebrated players in the competition.
In 2019, Lodi also played a role in Athletico’s victorious Copa do Brasil campaign, although his transfer to Atlético de Madrid occurred before the final. His time at Athletico was marked by 72 appearances, five goals, and a significant impact on the team’s attacking style. His transfer to Atlético de Madrid for €20 million (approximately R$87.5 million at the time) was the most expensive sale of a left-back in the club’s history, surpassing Danilo’s transfer to Porto in 2011.
Affection for Athletico
Even after leaving Brazil, Renan Lodi has never hidden his affection for Athletico Paranaense. In 2023, he visited the club’s CT do Caju training center to maintain his fitness, and Athletico attempted to bring him back, though negotiations with Atlético de Madrid were unsuccessful. In 2025, Lodi showed his attachment to the club by tattooing the Athletico emblem on his skin, sharing the tribute on social media with the caption: “Athletico Paranaense ❤️ Forever etched in Lodin 🙏🙌.” This gesture underscores the special bond he maintains with the club that launched his career.
International Career
Atlético de Madrid: Arrival in Europe
In June 2019, Renan Lodi was announced as a new signing for Atlético de Madrid, one of Spain’s most traditional clubs. The €20 million transfer marked his entry into European football, where he faced the daunting task of replacing club icon Filipe Luís, another Brazilian who left a lasting legacy. Under the demanding tactical guidance of coach Diego Simeone, Lodi had to adapt to a more physical and defensive style of play.
Despite initial challenges, such as adjusting to a new culture and language, Lodi quickly made his mark. In his first season, he played 38 matches, scored one goal, and provided three assists. One of his most memorable moments came in the UEFA Champions League on February 18, 2020, against Liverpool, the reigning champions. In the 1-0 victory, Lodi was named “Man of the Match” for his impeccable defensive performance, neutralizing players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Over three seasons with Atlético de Madrid, Lodi amassed 118 appearances, six goals, and 10 assists. However, with the arrival of left-back Sergio Reguilón, Lodi lost his place in the squad and was made available for transfer, paving the way for new chapters in his career.
Loan to Nottingham Forest
In August 2022, Renan Lodi was loaned to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League for a fee of €5 million, with an option to buy. The move to England presented a new challenge, with the opportunity to play in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Lodi debuted for the club in September 2022 and scored his first goal in November against Tottenham in the English League Cup. In total, he made 32 appearances for Nottingham Forest, cementing his reputation as a versatile full-back capable of contributing in both defense and attack.
Olympique de Marseille
In July 2023, Lodi was transferred to Olympique de Marseille in France for €13 million, with a 20% sell-on clause for Atlético de Madrid. His stint at the French club lasted only six months but was marked by consistent performances. He competed in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League, showcasing his ability to adapt to different playing styles. However, his time at Marseille was brief, as a new opportunity arose.
Al-Hilal: A New Chapter
In January 2024, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia signed Renan Lodi for approximately €23 million (R$122.6 million). The contract, valid until June 2027, marked his entry into the increasingly prominent Saudi league, where he joined stars like Neymar, Malcom, and Michael under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. At Al-Hilal, Lodi has continued to display his versatility, contributing four goals and eight assists in 38 matches so far.
His arrival at Al-Hilal coincided with a period of significant investment in Saudi football, and Lodi quickly became a key part of the squad. In 2025, he expressed optimism about Al-Hilal’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting Palmeiras as one of the Brazilian teams with potential to shine in the competition.
Brazilian National Team
First Call-Ups
Renan Lodi was first called up to the Brazilian U-23 team in 2019 for friendlies and the Toulon Tournament but was released at Athletico Paranaense’s request, as the club needed him for the Recopa Sudamericana. However, his quality did not go unnoticed, and in September 2019, Lodi earned his first call-up to the senior Brazilian national team under coach Tite.
He made his debut for Brazil on October 10, 2019, in a friendly against Senegal. Since then, Lodi has made 19 appearances for the national team, though he has yet to score. His last appearance was in November 2023, in a loss to Colombia under coach Fernando Diniz.
Controversy with Tite
Lodi’s absence from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar sparked controversy. According to the player, Tite cited his lack of COVID-19 vaccination as the reason for his exclusion, though Lodi clarified that he was awaiting his second dose at the time. In interviews, he expressed frustration with the decision, stating that he had fulfilled his role in the World Cup qualifiers and the Copa América. Despite this, Lodi remains focused on returning to the national team, especially with the arrival of coach Carlo Ancelotti in 2025.
Criticism of the Saudi League
In 2025, Lodi voiced criticism over his absence from recent national team call-ups, suggesting potential bias against players in the Saudi league. He highlighted his impressive numbers at Al-Hilal, with more goals and assists than other called-up full-backs, and expressed hope of returning to the national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Legacy and Future
Dream of Returning to Brazil
Renan Lodi has never hidden his desire to return to Athletico Paranaense in the future. In interviews, he stated his intention to fulfill his contract with Al-Hilal until 2027 and then return to the Furacão to “try to win another major title.” In 2025, Corinthians showed interest in signing him, with football director Fabinho Soldado contacting his agent. However, Lodi indicated that a return to Brazil in the short term is unlikely due to his Al-Hilal contract.
Impact on Brazilian Football
Renan Lodi’s journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. From his humble beginnings in Serrana to international stardom, he inspires young Brazilian players. His ability as an attacking full-back, combined with his defensive solidity, places him among the best in his position. Additionally, his story highlights the importance of Brazilian clubs like Athletico Paranaense in nurturing talent for the global stage.
Prospects for 2025 and Beyond
At 27 years old, Renan Lodi is at the peak of his career. With a long-term contract at Al-Hilal and the opportunity to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, he has the chance to continue shining on a global stage. His ambition to return to the Brazilian national team and win new titles shows that his journey is far from over.
Conclusion
Renan Lodi is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of perseverance and Brazilian talent. From his roots in Serrana to the pitches of Europe and Saudi Arabia, he has built a career marked by achievements and unforgettable moments, such as his performance against Liverpool in the Champions League and his titles with Athletico Paranaense. With a promising future ahead, Lodi continues to carry Brazil’s flag with pride, inspiring a new generation of players. Whether at Al-Hilal, the national team, or perhaps back at the Furacão, Renan Lodi continues to write his story in world football.
