Joelinton Cássio Apolinário de Lira

Joelinton, full name Joelinton Cássio Apolinário de Lira, is a Brazilian central midfielder born in Aliança on 14 August 1996. He developed at Sport Recife, joining the club’s academy at 10 and making his professional debut in 2014. In 2015, Joelinton moved to 1899 Hoffenheim, then spent two seasons on loan with Rapid Vienna from 2016 to 2018. He returned to Germany before signing for Newcastle in 2019, initially playing as a forward. Under Eddie Howe, Joelinton was moved into midfield, where his strength, pressing and ball-winning became central to Newcastle’s approach. He was named Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2021–22, marking a major change in his role and reputation. Joelinton made his Brazil debut in 2023 and scored in a 4–1 victory over Guinea, adding international recognition to his Newcastle career.