Marcos Leonardo Santos Almeida

Marcos Leonardo began his footballing education at the Santos FC youth academy in 2014, where he spent six years breaking scoring records at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2020 at the age of 17.

Marcos Leonardo began his professional career at Santos, where he recorded over 50 goals and established himself as the club's primary offensive threat. In January 2024, he moved to Europe to join SL Benfica, scoring several crucial goals in the Primeira Liga. In late 2024, Al-Hilal secured his signature in a high-profile transfer. In Saudi Arabia, his career reached new heights of productivity. During the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, he has been a revelation, recording 13 goals and 1 assist in 25 appearances during the current campaign.

In May 2026, he featured in several high-stakes matches, including a 1-1 draw against Al-Nassr on May 13, where he played a pivotal role in the attack. His performances have consistently kept Al-Hilal at the top of the Roshn League standings. He has become a favorite of manager Filippo Inzaghi, who has praised his work rate and clinical efficiency. He remains under a long-term contract with the club, with his market value reflecting his status as one of the best young strikers in global football.

On the international stage, Marcos Leonardo earned various call-ups for the Brazil senior team following his dominant form in Saudi Arabia. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, he has been a recurring member of the squad, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a clinical and physically dynamic option in the attack. His performances during international friendlies and qualifiers have solidified his role as a key tactical asset. He is a confirmed member of the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he is expected to provide vital goalscoring depth.

By May 2026, he has reached nearly 200 professional appearances across Brazil, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia. His market value remains high, reflecting his status as a generational talent. His tactical growth in different leagues has prepared him for the physical and mental demands of top-flight international football. He continues to focus on maintaining his high-intensity style and helping Al-Hilal achieve further continental success. His career trajectory highlights the global demand for elite Brazilian strikers.

Marcos Leonardo was born and raised in Itapetinga, Bahia, and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary work ethic in training. He has managed the challenges of moving across different continents and learning new languages with significant maturity and composure. He currently resides in Riyadh and has fully embraced the local Saudi culture.

Off the pitch, Marcos is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends and family. He frequently visits his hometown during the off-season to support local youth sports initiatives. He is a brand ambassador for several major sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a rising star. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in Spanish and English while actively learning basic Arabic.

His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Al-Hilal dressing room, where he has formed close bonds with teammates like Malcom and Karim Benzema. He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in Brazil, focusing on providing sporting equipment and support for underprivileged youth in Bahia. 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.