Lucas Pérez Inspiring Journey From A Coruña To Football
A Spanish Footballer Whose Career Defied Every Expectation
Introduction
Lucas Pérez is a Spanish footballer whose career has been shaped by determination, international experience, and a deep emotional connection with his hometown of A Coruña. Born on 10 September 1988, he developed from local football into a professional striker who eventually played in Spain, Ukraine, Greece, England, and the Netherlands.
What makes Lucas Pérez particularly interesting is the unusual route he followed to the highest levels of the sport. He experienced setbacks in his youth, moved abroad to continue developing, represented major clubs such as Arsenal, and later returned to Deportivo La Coruña, the club he had supported since childhood. His journey shows how persistence can turn an unconventional beginning into a remarkable football career.
Quick Bio of Lucas Pérez
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucas Pérez Martínez |
| Known As | Lucas Pérez |
| Date of Birth | 10 September 1988 |
| Age | 37 years |
| Birthplace | A Coruña, Galicia, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Main Club Association | Deportivo La Coruña |
| International Experience | Spain |
| Notable Clubs | Deportivo, Arsenal, West Ham United, Alavés, Cádiz, PSV |
| Major Honours | FA Cup, Eredivisie, Primera Federación |
| Current Status | Without a club after leaving Cádiz in 2026 |
Early Life and Family Background
Lucas Pérez was born and raised in A Coruña, Galicia, where football became part of his life from an early age. LaLiga reported that he grew up in the Flores neighborhood with a football under his arm and developed his game through local football. Interestingly, he initially played futsal and even spent time as a goalkeeper before coaches recognized his attacking ability and moved him into an outfield position.
His grandparents played an especially important role in his upbringing. Lucas Pérez has repeatedly spoken about the special relationship he had with them, and LaLiga noted that he often remembered his grandparents when celebrating goals. His early development did not follow the traditional route through Deportivo’s youth academy, but local football gave him the foundation to pursue professional opportunities.
Youth Career and First Challenges
At 16, Lucas Pérez moved to the youth setup at Deportivo Alavés after making an impression at Arteixo. The experience did not develop as he had hoped, and he eventually returned to Galicia, where he continued playing in the regional divisions. Instead of allowing the setback to end his ambitions, he continued looking for opportunities.
His performances in Galicia eventually attracted Atlético Madrid, where he entered the club’s youth system. When another opportunity to progress failed to materialize, he moved to Rayo Vallecano and developed through its reserve and first-team structure. This period became an important bridge between local football and the professional game.
Career Abroad in Ukraine and Greece
Lucas Pérez’s move to Ukraine became one of the most important stages of his development. He joined Karpaty Lviv after progressing through Rayo Vallecano and quickly established himself as a dangerous attacking player. Moving to another country required him to adjust to a different culture, climate, language environment, and style of football.
The experience was difficult but valuable. Lucas Pérez later explained to Arsenal that living abroad helped him mature personally and professionally. His career in Ukraine also included a historic association with Dynamo Kyiv, where he became the first Spanish player in the club’s history. He subsequently moved to Greece and played for PAOK before finally getting the opportunity to return to Spain and join Deportivo.
Deportivo La Coruña Breakthrough
Returning to Deportivo La Coruña represented a dream moment for Lucas Pérez. He had grown up supporting the club and had watched matches at Riazor since childhood. His return allowed him to play for the team that had always represented his hometown.
His 2015–16 season became the breakthrough campaign of his career. Lucas Pérez scored 17 goals in LaLiga and became only the second Deportivo player to score in seven consecutive league matches, matching the achievement of Brazilian club legend Bebeto. The accomplishment established him as one of the league’s most effective attacking players that season and attracted attention from major European clubs.
Arsenal Career and European Spotlight
Arsenal signed Lucas Pérez in 2016 after his impressive season with Deportivo. The transfer took the Spanish footballer to the Premier League and gave him the opportunity to compete in one of Europe’s most prominent competitions.
His Arsenal career included memorable moments. He scored his first Arsenal goals against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup and later produced a Champions League hat-trick against Basel. Arsenal’s 2016–17 records show that he made appearances across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during that campaign.
FA Cup Success With Arsenal
Although Lucas Pérez did not become a permanent first-choice striker at Arsenal, he was part of the squad during a successful period. Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2017, giving Lucas Pérez an important major trophy in English football.
His Arsenal experience also exposed him to elite teammates, European competition, and the intensity of English football. Lucas Pérez had previously explained that the Premier League was faster and more end-to-end than LaLiga, making the move an important learning experience in his career.
West Ham United and Return to Spain
After his Arsenal period, Lucas Pérez continued his career in England with West Ham United before returning to Spanish football. He subsequently represented Deportivo Alavés, Elche, and Cádiz, adding experience across different levels of Spanish professional football.
These moves demonstrated the adaptability that had become one of the defining characteristics of his career. Rather than remaining with one club for his entire professional journey, Lucas Pérez repeatedly adjusted to new teammates, managers, tactical systems, and football environments.
Emotional Return to Deportivo
One of the most memorable chapters of Lucas Pérez’s career began when he returned to Deportivo in 2022. The move carried particular emotional significance because of his lifelong relationship with the club and city.
Reports surrounding the transfer highlighted the extraordinary personal commitment Lucas Pérez showed in helping make the return possible. His decision strengthened his image among Deportivo supporters as a player whose relationship with the club went beyond ordinary professional football. He later helped Deportivo achieve promotion from Primera Federación in 2024.
PSV Eindhoven and Dutch Championship
In February 2025, PSV Eindhoven signed Lucas Pérez on a short-term contract. The move added another international chapter to the career of the experienced Spanish footballer.
His time in the Netherlands brought another major achievement. PSV won the 2024–25 Eredivisie title, giving Lucas Pérez a championship medal in Dutch football. His career had now included major experiences in Spain, England, Ukraine, Greece, and the Netherlands, making his professional journey unusually international.
Health Setback During His PSV Period
During his PSV spell, Lucas Pérez experienced a significant health setback when the club announced that he had been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. PSV confirmed that he began treatment and later provided an update indicating that he was recovering and continuing his rehabilitation in Spain.
The episode interrupted his football activities, but it did not erase the significance of his PSV chapter. His recovery became another challenging moment in a career that had already included numerous changes, setbacks, and comebacks.
Return to Cádiz in 2026
Lucas Pérez returned to Cádiz during 2026 after spending the previous period away from regular competitive football. His final 2025–26 campaign included appearances in LaLiga 2, and FotMob records one goal in seven matches and 403 minutes for Cádiz during that season.
On 24 May 2026, Lucas Pérez scored in Cádiz’s 3–0 victory over Leganés. His contract subsequently ended, and current reporting about Cádiz’s completely rebuilt 2026–27 squad confirms that he was among the players who departed the club.
Lucas Pérez Career Timeline
| Year / Period | Career Stage |
|---|---|
| Early years | Local football in A Coruña |
| Youth years | Arteixo and Deportivo Alavés |
| Youth career | Atlético Madrid |
| Early professional career | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2011 onward | Karpaty Lviv |
| Ukraine period | Dynamo Kyiv experience |
| 2013–2015 | PAOK |
| 2014–2016 | Deportivo La Coruña |
| 2016–2018 | Arsenal |
| 2017–2018 | Deportivo loan period |
| 2018–2019 | West Ham United |
| 2019–2021 | Deportivo Alavés |
| 2021–2022 | Elche and Cádiz |
| 2022–2025 | Deportivo La Coruña |
| 2025 | PSV Eindhoven |
| 2026 | Cádiz |
| July 2026 | Became a free agent |
Playing Style and Strengths
Lucas Pérez has primarily played as a striker, although he has also operated across different attacking positions. His left foot is one of his most recognizable technical qualities, while movement, combination play, and finishing have been important elements of his game.
When he spoke about his playing style during his Arsenal career, Lucas Pérez described himself as a player who liked combining with teammates, making quick exchanges, and creating opportunities to shoot. His ability to adapt across the front line has helped him work under different tactical systems.
Career Achievements and Records
Lucas Pérez’s career includes several significant achievements. His 17-goal LaLiga season with Deportivo in 2015–16 remains one of the strongest individual campaigns of his career. His seven-match scoring run also placed him alongside Bebeto in Deportivo’s historical record.
His trophy collection includes the 2017 FA Cup with Arsenal, the 2024 Primera Federación title with Deportivo, and the 2024–25 Eredivisie championship with PSV. He also won the Emirates Cup and Community Shield during his Arsenal period according to career records.
International Career
Lucas Pérez was selected for the Spain senior national team during the peak of his Deportivo career. His international opportunity represented recognition of his performances at club level.
However, his Spain career was considerably shorter than his club career. His greatest professional achievements remained associated with his club teams, especially Deportivo, Arsenal, and PSV.
Personal Life and Personality
Lucas Pérez has consistently spoken about the importance of family, his grandparents, and A Coruña. His connection with his hometown has remained one of the strongest themes of his public football identity.
His willingness to leave Spain early in his career and adapt to Ukraine and Greece also reflects a resilient personality. His career contains both positive and difficult periods, but his willingness to continue pursuing opportunities has remained a defining characteristic.
Lucas Pérez and Deportivo Legacy
For Deportivo supporters, Lucas Pérez represents more than a former professional player. He grew up supporting the club, dreamed of playing at Riazor, scored on his Deportivo debut, produced a remarkable 2015–16 campaign, and later returned to help the club regain its position in professional football.
That relationship makes his story especially powerful. While his career has included famous clubs such as Arsenal and PSV, Deportivo remains the central emotional chapter of Lucas Pérez’s football identity.
Current Status in 2026
As of September 2026, Lucas Pérez is no longer part of Cádiz’s first-team squad. Cádiz underwent a major restructuring ahead of the 2026–27 season, with numerous players leaving and a large group of new signings arriving. Recent reporting specifically lists Lucas Pérez among the departures.
His future in professional football remains a developing story, but his established career already spans multiple countries, major European competitions, promotion campaigns, and domestic trophies.
Conclusion
Lucas Pérez’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and loyalty. The Spanish footballer did not follow the easiest route toward elite football, but every difficult stage contributed to his development. From local football in A Coruña to Ukraine, Greece, England, the Netherlands, and back to Spain, he built a career through persistence.
His strongest legacy is arguably his connection with Deportivo La Coruña. The combination of his childhood dream, remarkable scoring season, return to Riazor, and contribution to promotion gives Lucas Pérez a distinctive place in the modern history of the club. His career demonstrates that success can come through an unconventional path when determination remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucas Pérez
1. Who is Lucas Pérez?
Lucas Pérez is a Spanish footballer and striker born in A Coruña on 10 September 1988.
2. When was Lucas Pérez born?
Lucas Pérez was born on 10 September 1988.
3. Where is Lucas Pérez from?
Lucas Pérez is from A Coruña in Galicia, Spain.
4. What position does Lucas Pérez play?
Lucas Pérez primarily plays as a striker and can also operate in other attacking positions.
5. Who raised Lucas Pérez?
His grandparents played a major role in raising him and remained an important influence throughout his life.
6. Did Lucas Pérez play for Deportivo La Coruña?
Yes, Deportivo La Coruña has been the most emotionally significant club of his career, and he represented the club during multiple periods.
7. Did Lucas Pérez play for Arsenal?
Yes, Lucas Pérez joined Arsenal in 2016 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2017.
