Matheus Paquetá: Age, Career, Brother, X1 Success and Biography
A clear look at the Brazilian footballer’s early life, professional clubs, family connection with Lucas Paquetá and success in X1 football
Introduction
Matheus Paquetá is a Brazilian former professional footballer and X1 football competitor. His complete name is Matheus Tolentino Coelho de Lima, and he is widely known as the older brother of Brazilian international midfielder Lucas Paquetá.
Matheus developed in Flamengo’s youth system before representing several clubs in Brazil. He also had a short period with Italian club Monza. After leaving conventional professional football, he began competing in X1, a fast and physical form of one-versus-one football.
His biggest individual achievement came in 2023, when he won an international X1 championship in Mexico and received a reported prize of R$100,000. (ge)
Who Is Matheus Paquetá?
Matheus Paquetá is a former Brazilian professional footballer who played mainly as an attacking midfielder or forward.
He was born in Rio de Janeiro and grew up with a strong connection to Paquetá Island. Like his younger brother Lucas, he used the name “Paquetá” during his football career.
Matheus did not achieve the same international fame as Lucas, but he built his own professional journey. He played for clubs including Ceres, Tombense, Marcílio Dias, Monza, CRB, Joinville, Boavista and Uberlândia. (Wikipedia)
Matheus Paquetá Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matheus Tolentino Coelho de Lima |
| Known as | Matheus Paquetá |
| Date of birth | 12 March 1995 |
| Age | 31 years old, as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Profession | Former professional footballer and X1 competitor |
| Main position | Attacking midfielder or forward |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Former youth club | Flamengo |
| Last professional club | Tombense |
| Brother | Lucas Paquetá |
| Famous for | Professional football career and X1 championship victory |
| Current status | Focused on X1 football after leaving the traditional professional game |
His name, birth date, birthplace and playing position are recorded by established football databases and Brazilian sports reporting. (FotMob)
Matheus Paquetá’s Age and Birthday
Matheus Paquetá was born on 12 March 1995.
He is 31 years old as of July 2026. He will turn 32 on 12 March 2027.
His zodiac sign is Pisces, based on his publicly recorded date of birth.
Early Life on Paquetá Island
Matheus grew up in the Rio de Janeiro area and has deep family links with Paquetá Island in Guanabara Bay.
Football became part of his life during childhood. He played locally before joining Flamengo’s youth system. His younger brother Lucas later followed a similar path.
The brothers regularly travelled from Paquetá Island to Flamengo’s training facilities. Their grandfather, known publicly as Mirão, helped them make the demanding journey by boat and across the city.
Lucas later recalled that Matheus was already training with Flamengo when he began making the same long trip. The routine required the family to leave early, wait between training sessions and sometimes return on the final boat at night. (ge)
Stories about sporting brothers are popular because each person must create an individual identity. Readers interested in another example can explore the career of Duan Jansen, the twin brother of South African cricketer Marco Jansen.
Why Does He Use the Name Paquetá?
Paquetá is connected with the island where the brothers grew up and began playing football.
The geographical nickname became an important part of their sporting identities. Lucas explained that young players at Flamengo began calling him Paquetá because he lived farther away than most of the other academy players.
Matheus also became publicly known by the island’s name. His registered name remains Matheus Tolentino Coelho de Lima, but Matheus Paquetá is the name used throughout his football and X1 career. (ge)
Family Background
The best-known member of Matheus’s family is his younger brother, Lucas Paquetá.
Lucas became a Flamengo first-team player before moving to European football and representing Brazil internationally. Matheus and Lucas followed different career paths, but football remained an important connection between them.
Lucas has publicly supported Matheus’s career. He has followed his X1 matches and trained with him during holiday periods. Matheus has said that Lucas helped him understand weaknesses in his game and improve his performance. (ge)
Matheus has not publicly disclosed complete information about his parents, spouse, children or other close relatives. These private details should not be guessed or presented as confirmed facts.
Flamengo Youth Career
Matheus developed through Flamengo’s respected youth system.
Training with a major Brazilian club gave him access to organised coaching, competitive matches and professional facilities. However, he did not establish himself in Flamengo’s senior first team.
The experience still gave him an important foundation. It prepared him for a career that later included several Brazilian clubs and a short period in European football.
Not every academy player becomes a senior star. Many must continue their careers through smaller teams and lower divisions. The patient journey of Kamran Ghulam offers another example of an athlete who spent years working before receiving wider recognition.
Beginning of His Senior Career
Matheus began his documented senior career with Ceres in 2016.
He later joined Tombense, a club from Minas Gerais, in 2017. Tombense became the main club connected with his professional registration, although he spent several periods playing elsewhere on loan.
His early senior career included a spell with Marcílio Dias. Reports state that he made two appearances for the club without scoring. (Wikipedia)
Avaí Period
In 2018, Matheus spent time with Avaí.
His period at the club was brief and did not produce a major first-team breakthrough. Reports usually connect him with Avaí’s development or aspirants group rather than a long run in the senior starting team.
The move was still another step in his attempt to establish a stable professional career.
Move to Monza in Italy
Matheus received an opportunity in European football when he joined Monza on loan in 2019.
The Italian club signed him from Tombense for approximately six months. His arrival came shortly after Lucas Paquetá moved from Flamengo to AC Milan.
Matheus did not make a league appearance for Monza, although records show that he appeared as a late substitute in a Coppa Italia Serie C match against Pro Vercelli.
His time in Italy was short, but it remains one of the most notable parts of his conventional club career. (Wikipedia)
CRB and Joinville
Matheus returned to Brazilian football and joined CRB in 2020.
CRB brought him into the squad to compete for an attacking midfield position. However, he left without becoming a regular first-team player.
He was also connected with Joinville later in 2020. Once again, his time at the club did not lead to regular competitive appearances. (ge)
Boavista and Uberlândia
Matheus continued searching for opportunities in 2021.
He was registered with Boavista before joining Uberlândia for the Brazilian Série D competition. He started three matches for Uberlândia but suffered an injury in the pubic region.
The injury affected his ability to continue playing. Uberlândia and the player ended the loan by mutual agreement, allowing him to return to Tombense for medical treatment. (ge)
Injuries can change the direction of an athlete’s career. The long and patient rise of Noman Ali also shows how professional sportspeople must continue working through delayed opportunities and difficult periods.
Final Professional Period With Tombense
Matheus returned to Tombense and appeared for the club during the 2022 season.
He played in the Campeonato Mineiro, Copa do Brasil and Série B. His appearances were generally limited, and he did not become a regular member of the starting team.
Public football records identify Tombense as his final conventional professional club. In 2024, he explained that he had moved away from the traditional professional game to dedicate himself to X1 football. (Wikipedia)
Why Did Matheus Paquetá Leave Professional Football?
Matheus did not announce a dramatic retirement ceremony. Instead, his career gradually changed direction after his 2022 period with Tombense.
Opportunities in conventional football had become limited. He then discovered X1 and found a format that suited his individual skills, competitive personality and desire to continue playing.
According to Globo Esporte’s report on his career change, Matheus said he had fallen in love with X1 and was dedicating himself fully to achieving new goals in the sport.
What Is X1 Football?
X1 football is a small-format competition built around direct individual battles.
Each side normally has one outfield player and one goalkeeper. The outfield competitors must attack, defend, dribble and create goals without support from a full team.
Matches usually take place on a smaller artificial or society football pitch. The format highlights:
- Ball control
- Speed
- Strength
- One-on-one defending
- Shooting ability
- Fitness
- Mental confidence
The presentation of X1 events is sometimes compared with combat sports because players compete directly against one opponent and may challenge each other publicly before a match. (CNN Brasil)
Matheus Paquetá’s X1 World Championship
Matheus achieved his biggest individual sporting success in September 2023.
He won an international X1 championship in Puebla, Mexico. The victory was reported as an important title for Brazil, and Matheus received a prize of R$100,000.
CNN Brasil reported his international X1 victory and described the event as a world championship in the growing one-versus-one format.
Matheus said that representing Brazil was a major responsibility. He also explained that the victory placed Brazil at the top of the competition. (CNN Brasil)
Victory Over Dudu Palmares
Matheus continued competing in X1 events after winning in Mexico.
In February 2024, he defeated Dudu Palmares by a score of 5–2 during an X1 Brazil event in Caruaru.
After the match, Matheus said he was fully committed to the sport and wanted to compete for the X1 Brazil championship belt. He described himself as focused and ready to face leading competitors in the format. (ge)
Successful athletes often depend on discipline as much as natural ability. The career of Asitha Fernando similarly highlights the importance of consistent training and professional patience.
Could Matheus Face Lucas Paquetá in X1?
Matheus has publicly discussed the possibility of facing Lucas in an X1 match.
He said that the brothers had trained together but had never played a complete competitive one-versus-one match. Matheus believed a contest between them would be difficult because both brothers strongly dislike losing.
He also suggested that a family match could be organised as a charity event. However, no completed official match between Matheus and Lucas has been publicly confirmed. (ge)
Playing Style
Matheus played mainly as an attacking midfielder or forward during his professional club career.
He was right-footed and could operate behind the main striker or in a more advanced attacking position. His move into X1 suggests that close control, direct attacking and individual competition became important parts of his later sporting identity.
Detailed professional analysis of his passing, speed and defensive statistics is limited because he made relatively few senior appearances.
Anti-Doping Suspension
A Globo Esporte report published in January 2026 stated that Matheus had received a four-year sporting suspension in June 2022 following an anti-doping violation.
The report said the detected substances were norandrosterone and noretiocolanolone, which were classified as anabolic steroid metabolites. At the beginning of January 2026, approximately six months of the reported suspension remained.
This was a sporting disciplinary sanction. It should not be described as a criminal conviction. Public reporting also noted that Matheus continued participating in X1 activities during the period. (ge)
Personal Life
Matheus keeps much of his private life away from public attention.
Reliable sources do not clearly confirm:
- His marital status
- The name of a wife or partner
- Whether he has children
- His education
- His current home
- His religion
- His diet
- His personal trainer
- His cars or properties
- His complete tattoo history
These details should be excluded unless Matheus confirms them himself or they are reported by a dependable source.
Matheus Paquetá’s Net Worth
There is no trustworthy public record confirming Matheus Paquetá’s net worth.
Celebrity websites may publish estimated figures, but these numbers are normally unsupported. His known income sources may have included club contracts, football payments, X1 appearances and competition prizes.
The clearest publicly reported financial figure is the R$100,000 prize connected with his 2023 X1 title.
No verified information is available about his monthly income, property portfolio, luxury vehicles, investments or privately owned companies.
Public Image
Matheus is usually presented in the media as:
- The older brother of Lucas Paquetá
- A former Flamengo academy player
- A footballer who represented several smaller professional clubs
- A Brazilian competitor who found new success in X1
- An athlete who continued competing after his conventional club career slowed down
His journey shows that professional success can take more than one form. He did not become an international football star, but he created another opportunity through X1 competition.
Former athletes often build new identities after leaving their original professional format. Readers can also explore the career and later life of Vernon Philander, who moved into new professional roles after international sport.
Matheus Paquetá Career Timeline
| Year | Career event |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Born in Rio de Janeiro on 12 March |
| Youth career | Developed in Flamengo’s academy |
| 2016 | Played for Ceres |
| 2017 | Joined Tombense and had a spell with Marcílio Dias |
| 2018 | Spent time with Avaí |
| 2019 | Joined Monza in Italy on loan |
| 2020 | Connected with CRB and Joinville |
| 2021 | Had spells with Boavista and Uberlândia |
| 2021 | Returned to Tombense following an injury |
| 2022 | Played his final documented professional season with Tombense |
| 2023 | Won an international X1 championship in Mexico |
| 2024 | Defeated Dudu Palmares 5–2 in an X1 Brazil event |
| 2026 | Continued to be publicly associated with X1 football |
Interesting Facts About Matheus Paquetá
- His registered name is Matheus Tolentino Coelho de Lima.
- He is approximately two years older than Lucas Paquetá.
- He trained in Flamengo’s youth system before Lucas became a senior star.
- He travelled long distances by boat to attend football training.
- His grandfather helped Matheus and Lucas reach their Flamengo sessions.
- He played professional football in both Brazil and Italy.
- Monza was his only documented European club.
- Tombense was his final professional football team.
- He found his biggest individual success after moving into X1.
- He won an international X1 competition in Mexico.
- Lucas sometimes trains with him during holiday periods.
- He has expressed interest in facing Lucas in a charity X1 match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matheus Paquetá’s full name?
His full registered name is Matheus Tolentino Coelho de Lima.
How old is Matheus Paquetá?
He is 31 years old as of July 2026.
When was Matheus Paquetá born?
He was born on 12 March 1995.
Where was he born?
He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Is Matheus Paquetá related to Lucas Paquetá?
Yes. Matheus is Lucas Paquetá’s older brother.
Did Matheus play for Flamengo?
He trained in Flamengo’s youth academy but did not establish himself in the senior first team.
Which clubs did Matheus Paquetá represent?
His documented clubs include Ceres, Tombense, Marcílio Dias, Avaí, Monza, CRB, Joinville, Boavista and Uberlândia.
Did he play in Europe?
Yes. He had a short loan period with Italian club Monza in 2019.
What position did he play?
He played mainly as an attacking midfielder or forward.
Is Matheus Paquetá retired?
He moved away from conventional professional football after playing for Tombense in 2022. He later dedicated himself to X1 football.
What is Matheus Paquetá famous for?
He is known for his football career, his relationship with Lucas Paquetá and his international X1 championship victory.
Did Matheus Paquetá win an X1 championship?
Yes. He won an international X1 competition in Puebla, Mexico, in 2023.
What is his net worth?
No reliable public source has confirmed his net worth.
Final Words
Matheus Paquetá built a professional sporting journey that was very different from that of his famous younger brother.
He developed at Flamengo, represented clubs across Brazil and received an opportunity with Monza in Italy. Regular first-team success was difficult to achieve, but he continued searching for ways to compete.
His move into X1 created a new beginning. Winning an international championship in Mexico gave him the biggest individual title of his career and introduced him to a wider audience.
Matheus’s story is not simply about being Lucas Paquetá’s brother. It is also about adapting when one career path becomes difficult and finding another way to remain connected with competitive football.
