Jô
A powerful Brazilian striker whose career soared with domestic titles and a big European move, but was ultimately defined by its nomadic journey.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: March 20·Millennials
Biography
Jô's story is a classic football tale of early promise, a golden transfer, and a career that wandered across continents. Emerging from Corinthians' youth academy, his physical strength and goal-poaching instinct quickly made him a star in Brazil, leading to a high-profile move to Manchester City in 2008. That transfer, however, became synonymous with the chaotic early days of the club's new ownership, and Jô struggled to adapt to the Premier League. What followed was a footballing odyssey: loans back to Brazil, a successful stint at Atlético Mineiro where he won the Copa Libertadores, spells in the UAE, Japan, and Turkey. He was a key part of the Brazilian squad that won the 2013 Confederations Cup, showcasing his best form on the international stage. His path reflects the pressures and pitfalls facing South American talents in Europe, and the resilience required to keep finding the net anywhere in the world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jô was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jô Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jô's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Copa Libertadores in 2013 with Atlético Mineiro, scoring in the second leg of the final.
- Was part of the Brazil national team that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, starting in the final.
- Won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title with Corinthians in 2005.
- Finished as the top scorer in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2017 while playing for Corinthians.
Did You Know?
His full name, João Alves de Assis Silva, is often shortened to Jô, which is pronounced 'Joe.'
He had two separate playing spells at Manchester City and three separate spells at Corinthians.
He played for clubs in seven different countries: Brazil, England, Turkey, UAE, Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia.
He was signed by Manchester City the same summer the club was purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
“I came to Manchester City with a lot of expectations, but things didn't go as planned.”
