Marcos Leonardo

Benfica On 5 January 2024, Marcos Leonardo moved to Portugal, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract with Primeira Liga club Benfica, for a reported transfer fee of €18 million, with Santos having the right to 10% of the profit the Lisbon-based club receive from a future transfer. His release clause was set at €150 million.

On each of his first three league games for Benfica, against Rio Ave, Boavista and Estrela da Amadora, Marcos Leonardo came on as a substitute during the second half and scored, helping seal 4–1, 2–0 and 4–1 victories, respectively. On 15 February 2024, he made his UEFA Europa League debut, coming off the bench to replace Arthur Cabral in the final minutes of a knockout round play-off match at home to Toulouse; he won a penalty that Ángel Di María converted, allowing Benfica to win by 2–1.

Al Hilal On 2 September 2024, Marcos Leonardo joined Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal on a five-year contract.

On 30 June 2025, in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Leonardo scored twice, including the winning goal in extra-time as Al Hilal defeated Manchester City 4–3 to advance to the quarter-finals.

On 2 February 2026, Atletico Madrid agreed a loan with an option to sign him in the summer for €40 million, as Leonardo was keen on impressing Carlo Ancelotti before the World Cup in the Summer. However Al Hilal reportedly pulled the plug on the deal as Karim Benzema's signing was in doubt.

Ajax On 17 July 2026, Eredivisie club Ajax announced the signing of Marcos Leonardo on a contract until 2031 for a transfer fee of just under €20 million.

International career Marcos Leonardo represented Brazil at under-17 level, playing in the 2019 Montaigu Tournament and UEFA Development Tournament. On 12 February 2021, he and Santos teammate Renyer were called up to the under-18s.

Personal life Marcos Leonardo's father, known as Marcos Coringa, was also a footballer. He played as a forward and appeared in amateur tournaments in his native Bahia.

Career statistics

Honours Al-Hilal King's Cup: 2025–26

Individual FIFA U-20 World Cup Silver Boot: 2023 Saudi Pro League Player of the Month: January 2025