Jucilei
A tough-tackling Brazilian midfielder whose career spanned continents, embodying the modern journeyman footballer.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: April 6·Millennials
Biography
Born in São Paulo, Jucilei's professional journey began at Corinthians, where his combative style in midfield helped the club secure the 2009 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B title. His performances there opened doors to a globe-trotting career that became a hallmark of his time in the sport. He ventured to the Middle East with Al-Jazira in the UAE, experienced Russian football with Anzhi Makhachkala, and later played in China for Shandong Luneng and Guangzhou Evergrande, where he added domestic silverware to his collection. While never a regular for the Brazilian national team, his club career painted a picture of a reliable, physically imposing player valued in diverse leagues. His path concluded with spells back in Brazil, a testament to the demanding, itinerant life of a professional athlete whose skills found a home on multiple continents.
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.
Jucilei 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 Jucilei Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jucilei'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 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B title with Corinthians in 2009.
- Secured the Chinese Super League championship with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2015.
- Lifted the Chinese FA Cup with Shandong Luneng in 2014.
Did You Know?
He shares his full birth name, Jucilei da Silva, with his father.
His transfer from Corinthians to Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011 was part of the Russian club's major spending spree at the time.
He played alongside Brazilian stars like Paulinho and Ramires during his time in China.
“My style is to fight for every ball and control the midfield.”
