Joelinton: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

Football has this magical way of changing lives, right? For some, it’s just a sport, but for others, it’s a lifeline—a ticket from humble beginnings to global recognition. That’s the story of Joelinton Cassio Apolinário de Lira, better known simply as Joelinton.

Today, he’s a fan favorite at Newcastle United, admired for his strength, versatility, and never-give-up attitude. But what makes Joelinton’s story so inspiring isn’t just the way he plays on the pitch; it’s the incredible journey that brought him there. From a small town in Brazil to becoming one of the Premier League’s most hardworking midfielders, Joelinton’s rise is packed with lessons on persistence, adaptability, and resilience.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a deep dive into Joelinton’s biography, salary, net worth, career highlights, and transfer history. But we’re doing it in a friendly, down-to-earth tone—because football stories should be as fun as watching a last-minute winner hit the back of the net.

Early Life and Background

Joelinton was born on August 14, 1996, in Aliança, a small municipality in Pernambuco, Brazil. If you’re familiar with Pernambuco, you’ll know it’s a place with a rich football culture. For kids growing up there, football isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life.

Joelinton wasn’t born into luxury. Like many Brazilian footballers, he came from modest beginnings. Picture a young boy, barefoot on dusty pitches, kicking around whatever could pass for a ball, dreaming of one day making it to the big leagues. That was Joelinton.

From an early age, he showed a natural talent for the game. His height, physicality, and sharp instincts made him stand out among his peers. His parents encouraged him, and before long, he was scouted and enrolled into Sport Recife’s youth academy—a move that would set him on the path to professional football.

Breaking Into Professional Football

Joelinton’s professional career began at Sport Club do Recife, one of the top clubs in Brazil’s northeast. He made his senior debut in 2014 at just 17 years old. For a teenager to break into professional football in Brazil, you have to be something special—and Joelinton was exactly that.

He played 12 matches and scored 2 goals for Sport Recife, but more importantly, he showcased the potential that scouts from abroad couldn’t ignore. His size (standing at 6 ft 1 in), technical ability, and versatility made him a rare talent.

In 2015, European scouts came calling, and Joelinton’s life was about to change forever.

Journey to Europe: Hoffenheim Days

At just 18, Joelinton signed for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, a Bundesliga club in Germany. Now, let’s pause for a moment. Imagine being a teenager, moving thousands of miles away from home, leaving behind family, friends, and everything familiar, just to chase a football dream. Scary, right? But Joelinton was determined.

His time at Hoffenheim wasn’t instant stardom. Like many young players, he had to adapt—new country, new language, new football style. He was loaned out to Rapid Wien in Austria between 2016 and 2018, where he really began to make a name for himself.

At Rapid Wien, Joelinton played over 60 games and scored 15 goals. More than the numbers, he grew in confidence and developed his all-around game. He wasn’t just a striker anymore—he was learning how to link play, press high, and be a team player.

When he returned to Hoffenheim, he was ready. The 2018/19 season saw him play regularly, scoring 7 goals and assisting 5 across competitions. It was clear he had outgrown the Bundesliga and was destined for bigger challenges.

The Record-Breaking Move to Newcastle United

In July 2019, Joelinton signed for Newcastle United in a club-record deal worth £40 million. To put that into context, it was the most expensive transfer in Newcastle’s history at the time. Naturally, expectations were sky-high.

He was handed the iconic number 9 shirt, previously worn by club legends like Alan Shearer. That’s a heavy burden for anyone, let alone a player still adapting to life in the Premier League.

Joelinton’s early days at Newcastle weren’t smooth. He struggled with the pressure of being a record signing and the expectation to score goals week in, week out. In fact, fans were critical of his lack of goals in his first two seasons. But here’s where his story takes an inspiring turn.

Reinvention Under Eddie Howe

When Eddie Howe became Newcastle manager in late 2021, he saw something in Joelinton that others had overlooked. Instead of sticking him upfront as a striker, Howe experimented with playing him in midfield. And guess what? It worked like magic.

Joelinton transformed into a powerhouse midfielder—strong in tackles, tireless in pressing, and surprisingly composed on the ball. Fans who once doubted him now couldn’t imagine the team without him. His work rate and adaptability won hearts across Tyneside.

From being labeled a “flop” to becoming Newcastle’s midfield engine, Joelinton’s turnaround is one of the most remarkable redemption stories in recent Premier League history.

Career Highlights

Here are some of Joelinton’s standout career moments:

• 2014: Professional debut for Sport Recife.

• 2015: Signed by Hoffenheim.

• 2016–2018: Successful loan spell at Rapid Wien.

• 2018/19: Breakthrough season at Hoffenheim.

• 2019: Record signing by Newcastle United (£40m).

• 2021/22: Reinvented as a midfielder under Eddie Howe.

• 2022/23: Played a vital role in Newcastle’s top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Joelinton’s Salary and Net Worth

So, how much does Joelinton earn at Newcastle? According to reports, Joelinton takes home around £85,000 per week, which amounts to roughly £4.4 million per year. Not too bad for someone who was once just a kid playing barefoot in Brazil, right?

As for his net worth, estimates put it at around £15–20 million. His wealth comes not just from his Newcastle wages but also from endorsements, bonuses, and smart investments. And with Newcastle’s project under their new ownership, his financial future looks even brighter.

Joelinton’s Transfer History

Here’s a breakdown of Joelinton’s transfer journey:

1. Sport Recife (2014–2015) – Where it all began.

2. Hoffenheim (2015–2019) – Signed as a teenager for around €2 million.

3. Loan to Rapid Wien (2016–2018) – Gained valuable experience.

4. Newcastle United (2019–Present) – Record £40m transfer, where he reinvented himself as a midfielder.

What’s Next for Joelinton?

At 29 (as of 2025), Joelinton is in his prime. With Newcastle aiming to become a consistent top-four club and challenge for silverware, Joelinton will play a key role. There’s also the possibility of him breaking into the Brazil national team setup if his performances remain consistent.

His story so far proves one thing: labels don’t define you. People called him a flop, but through determination and adaptability, Joelinton turned his career around and became indispensable to Newcastle United.

Conclusion

Joelinton’s journey from Aliança’s dusty pitches to the bright lights of St James’ Park is nothing short of inspiring. His career teaches us that setbacks don’t mean failure—they’re just stepping stones to bigger successes.

From struggling as a record signing to reinventing himself as a midfield warrior, Joelinton’s resilience is a lesson not just for aspiring footballers but for anyone chasing a dream. Today, he stands tall as a symbol of persistence, proving that with hard work and belief, you can rewrite your story—no matter how others define you.

So, the next time you watch Newcastle United play, pay close attention to Joelinton. Behind every tackle, every pass, and every run is the story of a boy who refused to give up on his dream.