Joãozinho (footballer, born 1988)
A Brazilian winger with a cannon for a left foot, he found a second home and cult status in Russian football for over a decade.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian-Russian footballer·Birthday: December 25·Millennials
Biography
Joãozinho, born João Natailton Ramos dos Santos in 1988, emerged from the fertile football grounds of Brazil with a specific and thrilling skill set: blistering pace and a devastating left-footed shot. While many compatriots head to Europe's major leagues, his path led him to Russia in 2010, where he would spend the prime of his career. He became a key figure for FC Krasnodar, helping to establish the young club as a force in the Russian Premier League. His powerful strikes from distance and direct wing play made him a fan favorite and a consistent threat, culminating in a Russian Cup victory in 2014. After a decade in Russia, his career later saw him return to Brazil, playing for several clubs including Brasiliense.
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.
Joãozinho was born in 1988, 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 Joãozinho Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Joãozinho's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Russian Cup with FC Krasnodar in 2014, scoring in the semi-final.
- Made over 200 appearances for FC Krasnodar, becoming one of the club's most influential players in its early history.
- Earned Russian citizenship in 2016 and was called up to the Russian national team, for which he was eligible.
Did You Know?
He was nicknamed 'The Cannon' by Krasnodar fans for his powerful shooting.
He scored a memorable long-range goal against FC Rostov that was voted the best goal in the Russian Premier League for the 2013/14 season.
He holds both Brazilian and Russian passports.
“My left foot is my weapon; I practice it every single day.”
