Biography
Joelinton, born Joelinton Cássio Apolinário de Lira on 14 August 1996 in Aliança, Brazil, is a talented Brazilian professional footballer. He has emerged as an important figure in football, especially known for his transformational journey at Newcastle United.
Having started his professional career with Sport Recife in Brazil, Joelinton moved to Europe, joining TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in 2015. Initially deployed as a striker, his time in Germany also included a significant loan spell at Rapid Wien in Austria, where he showcased his goalscoring ability.
Joelinton made a sensational £40m move to Newcastle United in 2019. He struggled to adapt to the Premier League as a striker, becoming one of the league’s most underrated players. However, under the management of Eddie Howe, his career took a remarkable turn.
Howe’s vision saw Joelinton not as a striker but as a dynamic midfielder, where he thrived. This positional change revived his career and made him an integral part of Newcastle, known for his physicality, work-rate and incredible footballing intelligence.
Brazilian football player
Joelinton |
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 Joelinton: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Joelinton Cássio Apolinário de Lira |
| Stage name: | Joelinton |
| Born: | August 14, 1996 (age 28) |
| Place of birth: | Aliança, State of Pernambuco, Brazil |
| Nationality: | Brazilian |
| Education: | Do not have |
| Height: | 1.86 meters |
| Parents: | Jorge Lira, Silvania Maria Apolinário de Lira |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Thays Gondim (married 2024) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Julia Joelinton |
| Job: | Football player |
| Net worth: | $10 million – $15 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Joelinton was born on August 14, 1996 in Aliança, Brazil, to Jorge Lira and Silvania Maria Apolinário de Lira. Like many Brazilians, his heritage may reflect Brazil’s diverse mix of European, Indigenous, and African ancestry.
While Brazil is predominantly Catholic, Joelinton’s religious beliefs remain undisclosed. Details about his siblings remain private, although his family has been supportive of his journey. His educational background is not widely known, but his early focus on football suggests that sport may have taken precedence over traditional education.
Joelinton’s career began with Sport Recife in Brazil, and his journey to Europe marked the beginning of his transformation from a striker to a key midfielder in the Premier League, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to the game.
Career
Joelinton began his football career at Sport Recife in Brazil, quickly emerging as a promising young striker. His early performances earned him a move to Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in 2015, where he initially played as a striker. Although his time in Germany had mixed results, a loan spell at Rapid Wien in Austria showcased his goalscoring ability, with 12 goals in 17 appearances.
Joelinton’s career breakthrough came with a £40m move to Newcastle United in 2019, making him the club’s most expensive signing. However, his start in the Premier League as a striker was a challenge, with his lack of goals leading to heavy criticism and him being labelled one of the league’s biggest flops.
Under the management of Eddie Howe, Joelinton’s fortunes changed dramatically. Howe saw his potential beyond the striker position and converted him into a box-to-box midfielder. This change revived Joelinton’s career, as he excelled in his new role. His fitness, work ethic and football intelligence became key to Newcastle’s midfield. His defensive contributions, ball-winning and attacking contributions made him an essential part of the team.
Joelinton’s performances were outstanding, with his tackling, energy and versatility improving Newcastle’s overall play. His transformation has seen him gain recognition, including a call-up to the Brazil national team, highlighting his maturity and growing stature in the footballing world.
Social media
- Instagram: joelinton (@joelinton34)
Personal life
Joelinton, widely known for his role at Newcastle United, has been in a relationship with Thays Gondim since 2015. Their relationship has remained strong throughout his football career, eventually leading to their engagement and marriage in Brazil after a friendly in Australia in 2024.
Thays Gondim was Joelinton’s first and only wife. The couple had two children; their first son was born in January 2017, followed by a daughter named Julia Joelinton who was born in October 2020.
Standing at approximately 1.86 metres (6 feet 1 inch) tall, Joelinton’s height often receives compliments and light-hearted comments.
Net worth
Newcastle United’s Brazilian midfielder Joelinton has seen his net worth and salary increase significantly throughout his career. With his high-profile transfers, salary, and endorsement deals, estimates suggest his net worth could be between $10 and $15 million.
Originally earning around £80,000 a week, talk on the platform suggests that with his new deal in 2024 he could now earn more than £120,000 a week, reflecting his pivotal role in Newcastle’s revival. His contract extension until 2028, with the option of a further year, underlines his importance to the club.
Joelinton’s market value is estimated at around €40 million, highlighting his success after moving to central midfield.
