Alexandre Pato is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker, and sometimes as a second striker or winger. He began his career at Internacional, where he scored on his senior debut and helped the club win the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. He later played for AC Milan, winning Serie A and the Golden Boy award in 2009, before spending spells at Corinthians, São Paulo, Chelsea, Villarreal and Tianjin Tianhai. He was also a full international for Brazil.
Early career
Pato came through Internacional's youth system and was already playing in the Brazilian under-20 championship at 16. He made his senior debut in November 2006, when he scored within the first minute against Palmeiras. At 17 years and 102 days, he became the youngest goalscorer at a senior men's FIFA tournament after scoring against Al Ahly at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup, a record that surpassed Pelé's.
AC Milan years
AC Milan signed Pato in 2007, though he could not play competitive matches until January 2008 due to FIFA rules on non-EU minors. He scored 18 goals in the 2008–09 season and won the Serie A Young Footballer of the Year award in 2010. He helped Milan win the Serie A in 2010–11, although injuries repeatedly disrupted his career at the club.
International career
Pato became a full international for Brazil in 2008. He was part of the squad that won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and competed at the 2011 Copa América. He also won two consecutive Olympic medals for Brazil, a bronze in 2008 and a silver four years later.