Luan (footballer, born 1993)

Luan Guilherme de Jesus Vieira, known simply as Luan, is a Brazilian attacking midfielder and forward born on 27 March 1993 in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo. He emerged from the youth setup of Tanabi before moving through América-SP and Catanduvense, and his career became prominent after he joined Grêmio. The Porto Alegre club signed him in 2013, using him with its under-20 side. In 2014 he established himself in the team, bringing control, movement between lines and an ability to operate as a second striker. Supporters nicknamed him “Rei da América” after his role in Grêmio’s triumph. Grêmio won the Copa do Brasil in 2016, ending a title drought, and Luan was selected as the competition’s best player. His defining club season followed in 2017. Grêmio won Copa Libertadores, defeating Lanús in the final, while Luan scored eight goals in the tournament and received the competition’s player-of-the-tournament award. He also won the 2017 South American Footballer of the Year award, recognition that reflected his performances in Libertadores matches. In December, Grêmio reached the FIFA Club World Cup final after beating Pachuca; Luan played in the tournament, but the side lost 1–0 to Real Madrid in the final. At international level, Luan represented Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil won its first Olympic football gold medal, drawing 1–1 with Germany in the final before winning the penalty shootout. Luan started the final and was one of the tournament’s players; he scored three goals during the campaign, including goals against Denmark and Honduras. He had also played for Brazil’s under-20 team. In December 2019, Corinthians announced his signing from Grêmio. The transfer took effect for the 2020 season and gave Corinthians an accomplished player, with domestic cup success, Libertadores distinction and an Olympic title. His time at Corinthians did not reproduce the influence he had enjoyed at Grêmio. In 2022 he returned to Santos, the club’s rival, on loan, seeking regular playing time. He went back to Grêmio in 2023, a return that connected him again with the club where he had won his honours. In 2024 he joined Vitória. Luan’s record is therefore tied to a high point in football: Grêmio’s 2016 Copa do Brasil victory and 2017 Libertadores campaign, followed by Brazil’s Olympic gold on home soil. His individual 2017 continental award remains the marker of the level he reached in 2017.