This Renan Lodi biography explores the career of the elite Brazilian left-back who recently made a high-profile return to domestic football under complex circumstances. Born in Serrana, São Paulo, Lodi is widely recognized for his explosive pace, technical crossing, and his role as a modern attacking full-back. By May 2026, he has established himself as a primary defender for Atletico Mineiro, having returned to Brazil following a controversial and legal-heavy departure from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.

Known for his offensive flair and stamina, his transition through the Spanish, English, and French leagues made him one of the most experienced wide defenders of his generation. His tenure at Atletico Madrid was marked by a La Liga title and several decisive European performances. However, his 2026 return to the Brazilian Série A has been the subject of global headlines due to a unilateral contract termination and an ongoing FIFA legal dispute with Al-Hilal. Despite this, he remains a key figure in South American football, admired for his technical quality.

Beyond his club exploits, he is a recurring candidate for the Brazil national team, providing the Seleção with essential tactical flexibility. His recent performances in the Brasileirão and the Copa Sudamericana have shown that he remains at an elite physical level. Today, Renan is regarded as a vital asset for Atletico Mineiro, admired for his resilience and his commitment to professional growth amid challenging personal situations. As the 2026 season continues, he stands as a symbol of the high-stakes world of modern international transfers.

👤 Profile at a Glance

Full Name Renan Augusto Lodi Dos Santos
Nickname Renan Lodi
Date of Birth April 8, 1998
Age 28 years old
Birthplace Serrana, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Profession Footballer
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Education Athletico Paranaense Youth Academy (2012–2016)
Marital Status Married
Spouse / Partner Rafaela Oliveira
Children 1
Net Worth Estimated $20 Million (2026)

🎓 Education

Renan Lodi began his footballing education at the Athletico Paranaense youth academy in 2012, where he spent four years developing the tactical and technical skills that would lead to his senior debut in 2016.

💼 Career

Renan Lodi began his professional career at Athletico Paranaense, where he won the 2018 Copa Sudamericana. In July 2019, Atletico Madrid secured his signature for approximately €20 million. In Spain, he won the 2020-21 La Liga title and famously scored the winning goal in a Champions League knockout match against Manchester United. After a loan spell at Nottingham Forest and a permanent move to Marseille, he joined Al-Hilal in January 2024 for €23 million.

In early 2026, Lodi's career took a significant turn when he unilaterally terminated his contract with Al-Hilal to return to Brazil, joining Atletico Mineiro as a free agent on January 1. This move sparked a complex legal dispute, with FIFA merging complaints from both parties into a single file as of May 15, 2026. Since arriving at the Galo, Lodi has been a regular starter, recorded for his consistent match ratings in the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil. In May 2026, he featured in several high-stakes matches, including a standout performance against Santos and a goal in the Copa do Brasil against Ceará.

On the international stage, Lodi has earned over 15 caps for Brazil. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, he has remained in the national team pool, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a highly technical and experienced option on the left flank. His synergy with fellow Brazilian stars has been a highlight of his recent domestic form. While facing stiff competition for a regular starting spot, his return to peak fitness in Brazil has improved his chances for inclusion in the final 2026 World Cup squad selection.

By May 2026, he has reached over 250 professional appearances across Brazil, Spain, England, France, and Saudi Arabia. His market value remains significant at 28 years old, reflecting his status as one of the best left-backs in the region. His tactical growth in Europe has prepared him for the physical demands of the intense Brazilian calendar. He continues to focus on helping Atletico Mineiro achieve continental success while awaiting the final resolution of his legal case with his former club.

🏠 Personal Life

Renan Lodi was born and raised in Serrana and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family in the interior of São Paulo. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary work ethic. He is a devoted husband to Rafaela Oliveira and the couple has a young child. He frequently credits his family for providing the emotional stability necessary to navigate the complex legal challenges of 2026.

He currently resides in Belo Horizonte following his return to Brazil, where he has successfully reintegrated into the local culture. Off the pitch, Renan is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He is also a brand ambassador for several sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a top-tier Brazilian athlete. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in Spanish and English.

His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Atletico Mineiro dressing room. He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in Serrana, 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 as he enters the peak years of his career.

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • La Liga Champion (2020-21)
  • Copa Sudamericana Winner (2018)
  • Copa América Runner-up (2021)
  • Major transfer to Atletico Mineiro (2026)
  • Saudi Super Cup Winner (2024)

💬 Notable Quotes

Returning to Brazil was a personal decision for my happiness and my family.

— Renan Augusto Lodi Dos Santos

The legal dispute is in God's hands; my job is to focus on playing for Atletico Mineiro and the fans.

— Renan Augusto Lodi Dos Santos

Representing Brazil is always the ultimate goal; I am working every day to be at the 2026 World Cup.

— Renan Augusto Lodi Dos Santos

❓ People Also Ask

As of May 2026, Renan Lodi plays as a left-back for Atletico Mineiro in the Brazilian Série A.
In 2026, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $20 million, built through his successful career in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Yes, as of May 15, 2026, there is an ongoing FIFA legal case regarding his unilateral contract termination with Al-Hilal.
Born on April 8, 1998, Renan Lodi is 28 years old as of May 2026.
Yes, he played for Nottingham Forest during the 2022-2023 season while on loan from Atletico Madrid.
He was born in Serrana, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.