Has there ever been a greater redemption arc in English football than Joelinton? The Brazilian was bought by Newcastle United for £40m in 2019 – then a club record signing – in the hope that he could prop up Steve Bruce’s ailing front line. Instead, it took him 2,130 minutes to score a goal and he managed only six in his first two seasons at the club. Stinging criticism from club legends like Alan Shearer followed, as fans began to use the dreaded label – ‘flop’ – that has sunk far bigger players with far bigger reputations than the unknown entity from Hoffenheim.
It was a red card that turned it all around. In 2021-22 Newcastle had new owners, a new manager and a familiar battle to face: relegation. During a crucial clash with Norwich City, Ciaran Clark was send off in the ninth minute, leaving Eddie Howe with no choice but to shuffle Joelinton into midfield. It was a revelation. Suddenly, he looked every inch of his 6 ft 1 frame, bossing the centre of the park like the unlikely love child of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira. Joelinton never looked back, and over the past two seasons has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet at St. James’s Park and one of the best midfielder enforcers in the world, starting regularly for Brazil.
Today, fans wear Joelinton-print Hawaiian shirts in his honour and he is – with the honourable exception of his best friend and compatriot Bruno Guimaraes – the most popular player at the club. The man who seemed destined to be a footnote at Newcastle is now the driving force of a happy new era on Tyneside. On preseason tour in Japan, where he modelled the club’s new Adidas third kit, he talked to GQ about fatherhood, fashion and the mental strength it required not to give up.
GQ: You got married recently. How are you finding it?
Joelinton: For me, it didn't change anything. I've been with my wife 11 years since [I was] 17, so we just sign the paper, but never change.
You also have three young children. What’s your advice for expectant fathers?
Enjoy it! Kids are special. The best thing [that] can happen in your life. When you take your kid in your arms it's the greatest experience ever. So my kids are everything for me.
How do you manage to play when you’ve had no sleep?!
My wife helped me a lot [the night before a game]. When the babies cry and want to eat, sometimes I sleep in the other room to have a good night of sleep [because] I have to work hard the next day. But my wife works hard as well, to take care of the kids. She's fantastic.
How much have you seen things improve at Newcastle in your time here?
I think since the takeover the club is bigger. Before it was big as well, but we had problems that everyone knows about. Even some of the fans didn’t want to be there because they didn't accept the way the club was. But since the takeover everything [has] changed and changed for good. I'm really happy to continue here. To come from the difficult times to now better times, and to see the club grow, it's amazing.
You’ve also changed fashion in Newcastle, because everyone now wears shirts with your face on…
[Laughs] It was not my idea!
Do you own any of them yourself?
Yes, I have a few. The first day I saw them on the internet, I sent him a message to the guy who made them to say thank you for the love and for trying to help us in the game. He had the idea that we could sell some for charity to help people, so that’s where it started.
Do you wear them out for dinner?
No, no. Last time I wore one was on holiday two years ago!
Has moving from playing as a forward to a midfield enforcer changed the way you train and stay fit?
No, for me it's kind of the same. I always try to train hard because it's the best way to get ready for the game. It's [a case of]: train like you play, and try to do it every day. Of course some things change – the way I run, where I go to attack on the pitch. So I have to run back more. But nothing has changed in my training.
What have you learned about coping with the mental side of the game?
I have many people that help me on a daily base, including fitness coaches, not only with football but life in general. When things are going well in your life outside, the work is going better. But of course sometimes you have a problem the team don't need to know about. You have to go and play and try to keep it apart and focus on the game. It happens, but it's part of football.
So when you’re playing, you’re not thinking about life and family or whatever else is going on?
No. I try to separate them: my family, and going to work. I try to work hard – and at home sometimes I train as well – but when I take time with my kids, with my wife, I try to forget about football and choose to enjoy the time with them. If you can separate things, it works well. It [has] for me.
You have a great friendship with Bruno. Does that help on the pitch?
Yes, I think so. We have a great team. Not only the 11 players going on the pitch, but everyone in the team. You have great characters, great leaders in the group and it's positive and helps on the pitch.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
Never give up. Follow your dreams. Maybe you have a difficult day today, but tomorrow is another chance to go again. In my career, I’ve had difficult times, but I've never stopped trying, never stopped working. So that's what I say to everyone. Just keep going. Tomorrow's another chance.
What are your personal aims for this season?
To be healthy. Last season was difficult, I was away for a long time with injuries. So I want to try everything I can to be healthy, to be available and help the team. That's my goal.
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