Wendell Lira
#173,501 Most Popular
About
Brazilian striker who gained unexpected soccer fame after winning the 2015 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year, beating out international superstar Lionel Messi.
Before Fame
A promising prospect as a young player for Goias, he first joined the senior team when he was only 16. However, injury issues eventually led to struggles and his release in 2012.
Trivia
After his released from Goias, he worked as a waiter before deciding to return to the pitch. As well as real soccer, he's also talented at the FIFA video game.
Family Life
He was born to Maria Silva and Jose Lira Filho and has a brother named Thalles. He married Ludymila Miranda in 2010.
Associated With
He also beat out Alessandro Florenzi to win the 2015 FIFA Puskás Award.
