Introduction: A Rising Star
Samuel Dias Lino, known simply as Samuel Lino, is one of the most promising names in contemporary Brazilian football. Born on December 23, 1999, in Santo André, São Paulo state, this 25-year-old has enchanted fans worldwide with his speed, skill, and determination on the pitch. Standing at 1.77 meters with a sharp right foot, Lino primarily plays as a left winger or full-back, positions where he excels at unbalancing opposing defenses. His football journey began humbly, overcoming challenges and achieving milestones that took him from Brazilian youth academies to Europe’s elite pitches. Today, back in Brazil, he wears the Flamengo shirt and dreams big with the Brazilian National Team. In this detailed biography, we explore the life, career, and latest updates of a player who represents the best of national talent.
Childhood and First Steps in Football
Samuel Lino’s story begins on the streets and courts of São Bernardo do Campo, where he was raised after being born in Santo André. The son of a modest family, Lino discovered football as a child, influenced by his father and neighborhood friends. Like many Brazilian boys, he started playing futsal at local clubs, a modality that helped develop his agility and ball control. “Futsal taught me to think quickly and dribble in tight spaces,” Lino recalled in a recent interview. At 12 years old, he joined the youth ranks of São Bernardo FC, a traditional club in the ABC Paulista region known for unearthing young talents.
At São Bernardo, Lino progressed through all age groups, showing above-average potential from an early age. His coaches noted his versatility: he could play as a midfielder, winger, or even in defense when needed. In 2016, at just 16, he was promoted to the under-17 team, where he began attracting scouts from bigger clubs. It was during this time that Lino faced his first major test: a knee injury that sidelined him for months. But with resilience, he recovered and returned even stronger. This early overcoming shaped his character, making him a disciplined and focused player. Off the field, Lino was a quiet boy who preferred listening to music or playing video games over parties and nightlife. His family was always his pillar: his mother, dedicated to the home, and his father, a die-hard Corinthians fan, encouraged his dreams without ever pressuring him.
Professional Debut and Loan to Flamengo
Samuel Lino’s professional debut came on May 21, 2017, for São Bernardo in the Brazilian Série D. He came on in the second half of a 1-0 victory over Novo Hamburgo, and though he didn’t shine, he showed composure for a 17-year-old rookie. That season, Lino played few games but scored his first official goal on August 25, 2018, in the Copa Paulista, helping São Bernardo beat Santos 3-1. That goal was a milestone: against a giant like Santos, Lino proved he could compete at a high level.
Shortly after his debut, on June 28, 2017, came the first major step in his career: a loan to Flamengo to play for the under-20 team. The Rio de Janeiro club saw potential in the youngster and integrated him into the squad for the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, the famous Copinha. Lino adapted quickly to the new environment, far from home for the first time. At Flamengo, he played with freedom, scoring decisive goals and helping the team reach the final stages of the tournament. Unfortunately, the loan ended prematurely in July 2018 due to contractual issues, but not without leaving fond memories. “Flamengo gave me confidence and showed me what it’s like to play for a big club,” Lino said years later. Back at São Bernardo, he accumulated 23 games and 4 goals between 2017 and 2019, establishing himself as one of the squad’s highlights.
During this early period, Lino turned down offers from clubs like Corinthians, choosing to prioritize his development. He knew he needed more minutes on the pitch to grow. Off the pitch, he kept a simple life: single at the time, he focused on training and studies, dreaming of Europe. His dedication paid off when, in 2019, Portuguese scouts noticed him in a Copa Paulista match.
The European Adventure: Gil Vicente and the Leap to Atlético Madrid
On June 30, 2019, at 19 years old, Samuel Lino headed to Portugal, signing with Gil Vicente in the Primeira Liga. It was his first experience outside Brazil, and the cultural shock was significant: the cold of northern Portugal contrasted with São Paulo’s heat, but football made up for everything. His debut came on August 3, 2019, in the Taça da Liga, in a 3-2 victory over Desportivo das Aves. His first goal arrived on February 2, 2020, against Moreirense in a 5-1 defeat, but Lino didn’t let it discourage him.
In the 2019-20 season, he scored 4 goals in 25 games, adapting to the more tactical style of European football. In 2020-21, he exploded with 11 goals, becoming a key piece in coach Vítor Oliveira’s system. But it was in the 2021-22 season that Lino truly shone: 12 goals in 34 matches, including a brace in a 3-0 win over Tondela. His numbers helped Gil Vicente finish 5th in the league, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League for the first time. With 27 goals in 100 games for the club, Lino became an idol in Barcelos and attracted attention from European giants. “Portugal turned me into a man in football,” he reflected.
In July 2022, Atlético Madrid, coached by Diego Simeone, paid 6.5 million euros—the highest sale in Gil Vicente’s history—to sign Lino for five years. However, to gain La Liga experience, he was immediately loaned to Valencia for a season. In 2022-23, Lino played 41 games, scored 8 goals, and provided 3 assists, becoming the team’s top scorer in the league with 6 goals (tied with Justin Kluivert). His speed and precise crosses made him a regular starter, and rumors of interest from RB Leipzig circulated. Valencia tried to keep him, but Lino returned to Atlético in 2023, ready for the Colchonero challenge.
Standout at Atlético Madrid: Magical Season and Challenges
Back at Atlético in 2023-24, Samuel Lino faced the pressure of establishing himself at one of Spain’s biggest clubs. Simeone, known for his intense style, adapted him as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2, demanding balance between defense and attack. Lino rose to the occasion: he debuted in the Champions League as a starter in a 1-1 draw against Lazio and scored his first goal in the competition in November 2023, in a 6-0 thrashing of Celtic, with two assists in the game. In La Liga, he contributed decisive goals and passes, helping Atlético fight for the title.
That season, Lino was voted Atlético Madrid’s best player by the fans, with 8 goals in 46 matches. His individual award, the Jugador Cinco Estrellas in 2024 from the Spanish press, crowned his rise. “El Cholo taught me to be a warrior,” Lino thanked. However, the 2024-25 season brought challenges: a tactical shift to 4-4-2 reduced his playing time, and he alternated between starting and the bench, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists in 47 games. Minor injuries and competition from Rodrigo Riquelme and César Azpilicueta affected him, but Lino maintained professionalism. In April 2025, rumors of a move to the Premier League, with Everton interested, began circulating, signaling the end of a cycle.
Overall, for Atlético, Lino played 70 matches and scored 9 goals, leaving a legacy of gratitude despite occasional criticism of the club in farewell interviews. “I thank everyone, but today Flamengo is better,” he said in July 2025, sparking controversy in Spain.
Triumphant Return to Brazil: Arrival at Flamengo
On July 29, 2025, Samuel Lino fulfilled a fan’s dream: he returned to Brazil to sign with Flamengo, the club that welcomed him in his youth. The transfer, for 22 million euros (around R$143 million) plus 3 million in bonuses, was the most expensive in Mengão’s history. Lino signed until December 2029 and chose the number 16 shirt, in honor of a childhood idol. “I’m coming home, where my heart has always been,” he declared at his presentation at the Maracanã, packed with red-and-black fans.
Adaptation was swift. Under coach Tite, Lino debuted in August 2025 in a Brasileirão victory and soon became a starter on the left. His speed helped Flamengo dominate attacks, with precise crosses to Pedro and Gabigol. As of November 2025, he has played 21 games for the club, scoring 2 goals—one in the Libertadores against Fortaleza and another in the classic against Vasco. In the Sudamericana and Brasileirão, Lino provided decisive assists, helping the team fight for the lead. Injuries? Almost none: just a muscle strain in September that sidelined him for two weeks. His life in Rio is calm: he lives in an apartment in Barra da Tijuca, spends time with family who moved from São Paulo’s interior, and avoids nightlife to focus on training.
Lino’s impact at Flamengo goes beyond numbers. He brought European grit to the squad, inspiring youth academy players. In October 2025, he scored a stunning long-range goal against Racing in the Libertadores, securing advancement to the round of 16. Fans nicknamed him “Samu Veloz,” and his jerseys sell out in stores. Financially, the signing pays off with increased attendance and sponsorships.
Call-Up to the Brazilian National Team: A New Chapter
The highlight of 2025 for Samuel Lino came on August 30, when Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s national team coach, called him up for the first time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Replacing the injured Matheus Cunha, Lino joined stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. “It’s every Brazilian boy’s dream,” he said emotionally upon receiving the news. He debuted against Chile in September, coming on in the second half and providing an assist in a 2-0 victory. Against Bolivia, he played the full 90 minutes, showing defensive solidity.
As of November 2025, Lino has 1 cap for the Canarinho, without goals but with performances praised by Ancelotti: “He has the perfect balance for our full-back role.” The call-up came after discussions between Flamengo’s and CBF’s medical departments, ensuring he was 100%. Now, Lino dreams of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, where he could be a key piece in Ancelotti’s system. His rise inspires the new generation, proving that Brazilian talent, combined with hard work, goes far.
Playing Style and Achievements: What Makes Lino Special
Samuel Lino is a modern player: lightning-fast on the wing, with excellent crossing and game vision. His short dribble, inherited from futsal, dismantles markers, and his ability to track back pleases coaches like Simeone and Tite. Statistically, as of November 2025, he has 255 professional career games with 50 goals—an impressive average for a wing-back. His achievements include Gil Vicente’s historic European qualification, the 2023-24 Atlético best player award, and the 2018 Copa São Paulo under-20 title with Flamengo (as a guest).
Individually, the 2024 Jugador Cinco Estrellas highlights his consistency. At Flamengo, he is the team’s second-top scorer in the Libertadores with 2 goals in 5 games. Off the field, Lino is an example: he supports social projects in Santo André, visiting schools to encourage sports, and follows a strict diet, avoiding excesses. His personal life remains discreet—single, he prioritizes family and close friends.
Personal Life: Humility and Passions Beyond the Pitch
At 25, Samuel Lino leads a balanced life. Single, he avoids spotlight in his love life, focusing on his career. He lives in Rio with his mother and sisters, who moved to support him. His hobbies include video games (a fan of FIFA and Call of Duty), Brazilian music (from Drake to Jorge & Mateus), and barbecues with friends. In interviews, Lino speaks humbly about his roots: “I came from a favela, but football gave me wings.” He suffered from COVID-19 in 2020 but recovered without sequelae, and his only serious injury was the knee at 16.
Lino is socially engaged: in 2025, he donated part of his salary to rebuild courts in São Bernardo after floods. His Catholic faith guides him, and he wears a cross around his neck in every game. On Instagram, with 1.2 million followers, he posts training sessions, family, and motivational messages, inspiring youth from the periphery.
Recent Updates: Shining in 2025 and a Promising Future
The year 2025 has been transformative for Samuel Lino. After the record transfer to Flamengo in July, he integrated into the squad as a regular starter. In October, he scored in a 1-0 Libertadores victory over Fortaleza, earning a 6.8 Sofascore rating. In the Brasileirão, he contributed to Mengão’s lead with assists against Botafogo and Palmeiras. In November, during the international break, Lino trained extra with Tite, focusing on finishing.
European interest rumors persist—Napoli and Everton have inquired, but Lino is happy in Rio. His national team call-up positions him for November 2025 games against Uruguay and Colombia. With a contract until 2029, he targets titles: Libertadores and Club World Cup. “I want to be an idol at Flamengo, like Gabigol,” he states.
Challenges? The pressure from the red-and-black fans is immense, but Lino handles it well. In a Globo Esporte interview on October 15, 2025, he said: “I came back more mature, ready to win.” His physical condition is impeccable: no serious injuries, he often plays full 90 minutes.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Samuel Lino
Samuel Lino is more than a player: he is the embodiment of the Brazilian football dream. From an ABC region boy to a European star and now an idol at the Maracanã, his journey inspires millions. With 50 goals in 255 games at 25, achievements in Spain, and his first national team cap, Lino has everything to shine at the 2026 World Cup. His 2025 return to Flamengo marks a virtuous cycle, uniting past and future. As he races down the left wing, wind in his face and the Nation chanting his name, Samuel Lino proves that talent, humility, and grit build legends. Brazilian football is grateful—and the world awaits more.
