Jonathan Moreira
A dependable right-back whose career spanned continents, from Brazilian roots to starring roles in European leagues and China.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: February 27·Millennials
Biography
Born in São Paulo, Jonathan Moreira's professional journey began at the local club Cruzeiro in 2006. His solid defensive skills and attacking support from the flank soon caught the eye of European scouts. A move to Dutch side Ajax in 2011 marked his European breakthrough, where he became a reliable fixture, winning Eredivisie titles. His career path then took him to Italy's Inter Milan, where he added a Coppa Italia to his honors, before a significant stint in China with Jiangsu Suning. There, he was a key part of the squad that clinched the Chinese Super League title in 2020. His playing style was defined by consistency and tactical intelligence rather than flashy flair, making him a valued asset for every team he represented before his retirement.
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.
Jonathan was born in 1986, 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 Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Eredivisie title twice with Ajax during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.
- Secured the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan in the 2010-11 campaign.
- Lifted the Chinese Super League trophy with Jiangsu Suning in 2020.
Did You Know?
He shares his full name, Jonathan Cícero Moreira, with a famous Roman statesman and orator.
He played alongside Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho at Cruzeiro early in his career.
Despite being a Brazilian full-back, he never received a senior cap for the Brazilian national team.
“My position is right-back, but my duty is to help the team.”
