Everything you need to know about Liverpool's Brazilian shot stopper Alisson Becker.
Alisson Becker is a professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Liverpool FC and the Brazilian national team. He was born on October 2, 1992, in Novo Hamburgo, Brazil.
Alisson began his professional career with Internacional in Brazil. During his time at the club, he won the Campeonato Gaucho in 2014 and 2015, and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2016, before moving to Roma in 2016. His strong performances at Roma quickly established him as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A, helping Roma to reach the Champions League semifinals in 2018.
In 2018, Alisson signed with Liverpool FC, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time, with a transfer fee of £66.8 million. In his first season with Liverpool, he played a crucial role in the team's success, helping them to win their sixth Champions League. In his next season, the Brazilian helped the team win their first Premier League title in 30 years.
Alisson made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2015 and has since established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. He played a key role in Brazil's victory in the 2019 and 2021 edition of Copa America, keeping five and four clean sheets in the tournaments respectively.
Alisson is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, known for his shot-stopping abilities, command of his area, and excellent distribution. He is also very quick off his line and is comfortable playing with his feet, which makes him a good fit for Liverpool's high-pressing style of play.
Here are 13 interesting facts about Alisson that you absolutely need to know.
Goalkeeping in the family
Alisson comes from a footballing family. His father and grandfather were both amateur goalkeepers in his home town, Novo Hamburgo (translation: New Hamburg), and he was understudy to his older brother Muriel at Internacional. His brother is currently a professional goalkeeper for Cypriot Club AEL Limassol. One can say goalkeeping runs in his blood.
AdvertisementGettyBrazilian legend Dida as competition
Becker started his journey at Internacional aged 10 in 2002 and made his senior debut in 2013. The former AS Roma goalkeeper was a backup to his brother Muriel and finished his first season with six appearances. The goalkeeper had to fight for being the first choice.
One such competition he faced was against former Brazilian international Dida. In 2014/15, the two-time UEFA Champions League winner had a stint with Internacional where Alisson was trying to establish himself as the number one.
Getty ImagesNicknamed German
Alisson was nicknamed German during his time at Roma by his teammates due to his birth place in Brazil. Born in Novo Hamburgo, a city reportedly founded by German immigrants in the 18th century, Alisson's father, Jose Agostinho, speaks German, as does his grandmother. "In my region, there are plenty of reminders of Germany: the architecture, the culture, the holidays – we even have a huge Oktoberfest," said Alisson.
Despite the nickname and the German influence while growing up, Alisson speaks no German himself.
Getty ImagesMost expensive goalkepeer in history in 2018
In 2018, after two very successful seasons at AS Roma, Liverpool poached the Brazilian goalkeeper for a record fee of £66.8 million, the highest number at the time. He overtook the transfers of Ederson (most expensive in pound sterling) and Gianluigi Buffon (most expensive in Euros).
However, the record didn't stand for long. Chelsea broke the record just four weeks later when they signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for a reported £71.6 million (€80 million) from Athletic Bilbao.