Overview
Renan Augusto Lodi dos Santos, widely known as Renan Lodi, is a Brazilian professional footballer who operates primarily as a left-back. Born on 8 April 1998 in Serrano, Brazil, Lodi has established a reputation as a modern full-back, blending strong defensive contributions with significant attacking output. Standing at 1.78 meters, he possesses the physical attributes to cover the entire left flank, making him a consistent threat in wide areas.
Lodi began his professional career in Brazil with Athletico Paranaense, where his performances quickly attracted attention from European clubs. His move to Atlético Madrid in 2019 marked his transition to European football, where he adapted to the tactical demands of La Liga under Diego Simeone. During his time in Spain, he developed his defensive awareness while continuing to showcase his ability to join the attack. Following spells with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1, Lodi has gained experience across multiple top European leagues, honing his versatile skill set.
Internationally, Lodi represents the Brazil national team, having earned 16 caps since his debut. His inclusion in the Seleção highlights his standing as one of Brazil's top left-back options, contributing to their defensive solidity and offensive width. His dynamic play, characterized by tireless running, accurate crossing, and crucial defensive interventions, positions him as a key figure for both club and country in the demanding role of a modern full-back.
Career path
Renan Lodi's journey in professional football began in the youth ranks of Athletico Paranaense in Brazil. He progressed through their academy system, eventually making his senior debut for the club in 2016. Over the next three seasons, Lodi established himself as a key player for Athletico Paranaense, featuring prominently in both domestic competitions and the Copa Sudamericana. His strong performances, particularly during the 2018 season where he helped the club win the Copa Sudamericana, brought him to the attention of European scouts.
In July 2019, Lodi made a significant move to European football, joining Spanish giants Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of €20 million (Transfermarkt). He quickly integrated into Diego Simeone's squad, making his La Liga debut in August 2019. During his three seasons with Atlético, Lodi made 118 appearances across all competitions, contributing to the club's La Liga title victory in the 2020–21 season (Wikipedia). His time in Madrid saw him develop a more robust defensive game, while still offering his characteristic attacking threat from the left flank.
For the 2022–23 season, Lodi moved to the Premier League, joining Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan from Atlético Madrid (Transfermarkt). He made 32 appearances for Forest, playing a crucial role in their campaign to secure Premier League survival. Following his loan spell in England, Lodi made a permanent move to Olympique Marseille in France's Ligue 1 in July 2023 for a reported fee of €13 million (Transfermarkt). At Marseille, he continued to be a regular starter, showcasing his adaptability to different league styles and tactical systems.
Playing style
Renan Lodi's playing style is characterized by his dynamism and balance between defensive duties and offensive contributions, making him a quintessential modern full-back. As a left-back, he possesses excellent stamina, allowing him to consistently motor up and down the flank for the full 90 minutes. His primary strengths lie in his attacking impetus; Lodi is known for his overlapping runs, ability to carry the ball forward, and accurate crossing. According to FBref data, in seasons where he has played regularly, Lodi often ranks highly among full-backs for progressive carries and touches in the attacking third (FBref).
His technical attributes include strong dribbling skills, enabling him to beat opponents in one-on-one situations and drive into dangerous areas. Lodi's left foot is a significant asset, utilized for delivering dangerous crosses into the box, both from deep and closer to the byline. He also possesses a powerful shot, capable of scoring from outside the area, as demonstrated during his time at Atlético Madrid and Athletico Paranaense.
Defensively, Lodi is a tenacious player, known for his work rate and commitment. While his attacking prowess is often highlighted, he has developed a robust defensive side to his game, particularly under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. He is strong in duels, capable of making crucial interceptions and tackles to regain possession. His recovery speed is also a key attribute, allowing him to track back effectively and prevent counter-attacks. Lodi's ability to press high and contribute to defensive solidity makes him a well-rounded option, comparable in profile to other full-backs like Alex Telles or even a young Marcelo, though with a more pronounced defensive discipline than the latter.
Achievements & honours
Renan Lodi has accumulated several significant honours throughout his career, both at club level and with the Brazilian national team. His most notable club success came during his tenure with Atlético Madrid, where he played a crucial role in their La Liga title triumph.
His achievements are summarized in the table below:
| Competition | Club / National Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Copa Sudamericana | Athletico Paranaense | 2018 |
| Campeonato Paranaense | Athletico Paranaense | 2018 |
| La Liga | Atlético Madrid | 2020–21 |
| Copa América (Runner-up) | Brazil | 2021 |
Beyond team trophies, Lodi has been recognized for his consistent performances, establishing himself as a key player in every club he has represented. His contributions to Athletico Paranaense's Copa Sudamericana victory were particularly instrumental in launching his career onto the international stage, leading to his move to European football. While individual awards have been less frequent, his consistent selection for the Brazil national team underscores his high standing in world football.
International career
Renan Lodi's international career with the Brazil national team began with his senior debut in October 2019, when he was called up by head coach Tite. His consistent performances at club level, particularly during his early seasons with Atlético Madrid, quickly cemented his place in the Seleção squad. Since his debut, Lodi has earned 16 caps for Brazil, demonstrating his reliability and versatility on the left side of the defense (FIFA).
He played a significant role in Brazil's campaign at the 2021 Copa América, where the team reached the final before ultimately losing to Argentina. Lodi featured prominently throughout the tournament, providing defensive solidity and attacking width from the left-back position. His ability to link up with attackers and deliver dangerous crosses was a key component of Brazil's offensive strategy during the competition (CONMEBOL).
While he has yet to score his first goal for the national team, his overall contribution to Brazil's defensive shape and offensive transitions has been highly valued. Lodi has continued to be a regular inclusion in national squad selections for World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches, vying for the starting left-back spot against other talented Brazilian defenders. His international experience across major tournaments and qualification campaigns has further refined his game, making him a more seasoned and tactically aware player on the global stage.