Danilo Dos Santos De Oliveira

Danilo received his elite footballing education at the SE Palmeiras youth academy, joining in 2018 and progressing rapidly to the senior team where he debuted in 2020.

Danilo began his professional career at Palmeiras in 2020, where he quickly became an undisputed starter and a fan favorite. He played a heroic role in the club winning the 2020 and 2021 Copa Libertadores, showcasing a level of maturity that drew immediate interest from elite European scouts. In January 2023, Nottingham Forest secured his signature in a transfer worth approximately £18 million. In the Premier League, he made a significant impact, helping the club secure survival and establishing himself as one of the best young midfielders in England.

In early 2026, Danilo returned to Brazil to join Botafogo, where his career reached new heights of productivity. During the first half of the 2026 season, he has been in sensational form, recording 10 goals and 3 assists in 23 matches across all competitions. His performances have triggered intense transfer speculation, with Fulham reportedly preparing a €30 million bid for the summer window. In May 2026, he is recognized as the most effective central midfielder in Brazil, leading the league in several offensive and passing metrics. He remains under contract as one of Botafogo's most valuable assets.

On the international stage, Danilo earned his senior Brazil debut in early 2024. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, he has been a consistent member of the squad, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a disciplined and energetic defensive option. His ability to score from the midfield has made him a favorite for high-stakes qualifiers. He is currently a confirmed member of the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he is expected to be a primary starter in the midfield engine.

By May 2026, he has reached over 200 professional appearances across Brazil and England. His market value remains high, reflecting his status as an elite global playmaker. His tactical growth in the Premier League has prepared him for the physical and mental demands of top-flight international football. He continues to focus on improving his playmaking vision and maintaining his high levels of defensive work rate. His career trajectory highlights the successful export and return of Brazilian midfield talent.

Danilo was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family in northeastern Brazil. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary discipline. He has managed the challenges of moving to England and returning to Brazil with significant maturity and composure. He currently resides in Rio de Janeiro and has fully embraced the local culture.

Off the pitch, Danilo is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian music and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He frequently visits his hometown during the off-season to support local youth sports initiatives. He is also a brand ambassador for several major sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a rising star in world football. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in English. His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in every dressing room he has entered.

His dedication to his craft is highly praised by his coaches, who describe him as a player who 'breathes football.' He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in Salvador, focusing on providing sporting equipment and support for local youth sports programs. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving further success with both club and country as he prepares for the biggest stage in world football.