Datinha

Luiz Alberto do Nascimento Braga (born 12 April 1988), known better as Datinha, is a Brazilian beach soccer player who currently plays as a defender. A versatile player, he has previously been designated as a forward and a midfielder during his career.

Career Previously a fisherman, Datinha, described as "shy", began pursuing beach soccer seriously in 2010, playing in his local State Championship in Maranhão, and subsequently the Brazilian National Championship. He was first called up to the Brazil national team in 2012.

He went on to win the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup representing Brazil and claimed the Bronze Ball (third best player) award at the competition; he has also appeared at five other World Cups, in 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024, captaining his side to a second win in 2024. In addition, he was named as one of the world's best three players at the 2018 Beach Soccer Stars awards.

In the Mundialito de Clubes, he has represented Al-Ahli in 2012, Flamengo in 2013, and Barcelona in 2015, winning the latter. After an absence, he returned to the Mundialito in 2021 with Tokyo Verdy.

Datinha is also a longtime member of Russian club Kristall, having scored over 200 goals and played in nearly 300 games for the team across all competitions between 2012 and 2021, during which time he became European champion four times and Russian league champion on six occasions; he continues to play for Kristall in Russian competitions, but at European level has since played for Braga in 2022 and in 2024 and 2025. He was persuaded by fellow Brazilian internationals Bruno Xavier and Jorginho to pursue beach soccer in Russia. Fellow Brazilian association footballer Hulk has been an inspiration to Datinha during his career. He also continues to play for Sampaio Corrêa in Brazil, including their run to fifth place in the 2017 Copa Libertadores. Additionally, in domestic competitions, he has played for Sporting CP in Portugal, Alanyaspor in Turkey, and most recently in Italy.

Statistics Country Competition Year Apps Goals Ref.FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 6 1 2015 4 1 2017 6 3 2019 4 1 2021 4 0 2024 6 0 Total 30 6 —

Club

Achievements The following is a selection, not an exhaustive list, of the major international honours Datinha has achieved:

Country FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Winner (2): 2017, 2024 World Beach Games Winner (1): 2019 Intercontinental Cup Winner (3): 2014, 2016, 2017 CONMEBOL qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Winner (2): 2017, 2019 Copa América Winner (2): 2016, 2018 Mundialito Winner (2): 2016, 2017 South American Beach Games Winner (1): 2019 South American Beach Soccer League Winner (2): 2017, 2018

Club Euro Winners Cup Winner (4): 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021 Runner-up (3): 2018, 2022, 2024 Euro Winners Challenge Winner (1): 2018 Mundialito de Clubes Winner (1): 2015 Runner-up (1): 2013

Individual FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup (1): Bronze Ball: 2017 Beach Soccer Stars (2): World's top 3 best players: 2018 World dream team: 2018 Euro Winners Cup (1): Best player: 2015 Mundialito de Clubes (1): Top scorer: 2015 CONMEBOL qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup (1): Top scorer: 2015