Douglas Santos is a Brazilian footballer born in 1994, known for playing as a left-back.
He currently plays for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he serves as captain.
Douglas made his professional debut with Clube Náutico Capibaribe in 2012, scoring his first goal shortly after.
Biography
Early Life
Douglas dos Santos Justino de Melo, known as Douglas Santos, was born in 1994 in Brazil. He began his football journey at a young age, showcasing his talent as a defender and full-back. His professional debut came on February 15, 2012, with Clube Náutico Capibaribe, where he quickly made a name for himself by scoring his first professional goal shortly after his debut.
Career
Douglas's career took off when he signed with Granada CF in July 2013, marking his entry into European football. He soon moved to Udinese Calcio on loan, where he continued to develop his skills. In 2014, he joined Atlético Mineiro, initially on loan, before making a permanent move in 2015. His performances in Brazil caught the attention of international clubs, leading to a transfer to Hamburger SV in 2016. After three seasons in Germany, he signed with FC Zenit Saint Petersburg in July 2019, where he has since become a key player and captain, extending his contract multiple times through 2027.
Douglas has also had a significant international career, representing Brazil at various youth levels and winning the Olympic gold medal in 2016. In 2025, he switched his allegiance to Russia, but later returned to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
Personal Life
In addition to his football career, Douglas Santos acquired Russian citizenship in October 2024 after five years in the country. His journey reflects not only his dedication to the sport but also his adaptability in navigating international football landscapes.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 16 September 2026
International
As of match played 5 July 2026
Brazil (2013–2016)
A few months before featuring with the U-20's winning squad in the 2013 Toulon Tournament, Douglas Santos received a call-up for the full squad on 2 April 2013, for a match against Bolivia. However, he did not leave the bench. On 13 August 2015, Douglas Santos returned to the senior team, for friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States. He also represented Brazil at the Rio Olympics winning the Olympic men's football tournament, and at the Copa América Centenario in 2016, early on the same summer international window.
Russia (2025)
On 3 March 2025, Santos switched his allegiance to Russia and received a call-up for the friendly match against Zambia, despite the fact that three days earlier he had been on the prelist of Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Colombia and Argentina.
Return to Brazil (2025–present)
On 31 August 2025, Santos' request to change sports citizenship from Russian to Brazilian was approved by FIFA, following his call up to the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches Chile and Bolivia in September 2025.
Náutico
On 15 February 2012, Douglas Santos made his first team debut, in a 2–0 home win over Central. On the 26th, he scored his first professional goal, the second of a 3–1 home win over Belo Jardim. On 18 July, he made his Série A debut, in a 3–0 home win over Ponte Preta. On 10 October, he scored his first top flight goal, in a 1–2 away defeat against Ponte Preta.
Granada and Udinese
On 12 July 2013, Douglas Santos signed a five-year deal with La Liga side Granada CF, for an undisclosed fee. On 2 September, he joined Udinese Calcio in a season-long loan deal.
Atlético Mineiro
On 12 August 2014, Douglas Santos was loaned to Atlético Mineiro for 12 months. On 20 July 2015, Galo signed Douglas Santos permanently for €3 million on a four-year contract.
Hamburger SV
On 31 August 2016, Douglas Santos signed for German club Hamburger SV.
Zenit Saint Petersburg
On 4 July 2019, Douglas Santos joined Russian Premier League side FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, signing a five-year contract. On 3 September 2021, he extended his Zenit contract until the end of the 2025–26 season. On 25 July 2024, he extended it for the 2026–27 season, with an option for 2027–28.
- Club
- FC Zenit Saint Petersburg (2019–)
- Club
- Hamburger SV (2016–2019)
- Club
- Granada CF (2013–2014)
- Club
- Clube Náutico Capibaribe (2012–2013)
- Club
- Udinese Calcio (2013–2014)
- Club
- Udinese Calcio (2014–2015)
- Club
- Clube Atlético Mineiro (2014–2015)
- Club
- Clube Atlético Mineiro (2015–2016)
- Club
- Brazil national under-20 football team (2012–2014)
- Club
- Brazil national under-23 football team (2015–2016)
- Club
- Brazil men's national football team (2016–)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Brazil
- National team
- Russia
Personal
On 21 October 2024, after five years at Zenit, Santos acquired Russian citizenship.
Clubs
- Brazil men's national football team2016current
- FC Zenit Saint Petersburg2019current
- Brazil national under-20 football team2012–2014
- Clube Náutico Capibaribe2012–2013
- Granada CF2013–2014
- Udinese Calcio2013–2014
- Clube Atlético Mineiro2014–2015
- Udinese Calcio2014–2015
- Brazil national under-23 football team2015–2016
- Clube Atlético Mineiro2015–2016
- Hamburger SV2016–2019
Played together with
Aaron HuntHamburger SV · 2015- Aaron OpokuHamburger SV · 2022
- Aarón EscandellGranada CF · 2018–2022
Abde RebbachGranada CF · 2025–2025- Abdoulaye CamaraUdinese Calcio · 1999–2000
Abdoulaye DoucouréGranada CF · 2016
Abdoulwhaid SissokoGranada CF · 2014–2015- Abdoulwhaid SissokoUdinese Calcio · 2011–2015
Abdul Aziz TettehGranada CF · 2009–2010- Abdul Aziz TettehUdinese Calcio · 2008–2013
Abel AguilarUdinese Calcio · 2005–2010
Abel BalboUdinese Calcio · 1989–1993
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Douglas dos Santos Justino de Melo, known as Douglas Santos or simply Douglas, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Russian Premier League club Zenit Saint Petersburg, which he captains, and the Brazil national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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