Éverton Augusto de Barros Ribeiro, known simply as Éverton Ribeiro, is one of the most talented midfielders Brazilian football has ever produced. At 36 years old, he continues to captivate fans with his sharp vision, precise dribbling, and passes that dismantle opposing defenses. Born in Arujá, a small town in São Paulo state, Éverton has built a career filled with glory, titles, and unforgettable moments. This article delves into the journey of this star, from his humble beginnings to the recent challenges he faces with the same determination that took him to the world’s pitches. With a career marked by triumphs in Brazil and abroad, Éverton Ribeiro remains a reference for new generations of players.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Roots in Santa Isabel
Éverton Ribeiro was born on April 10, 1989, in Arujá, a small town in São Paulo surrounded by mountains and simplicity. However, it was in nearby Santa Isabel where he spent his childhood and discovered his passion for sports. Coming from a modest family, Éverton began practicing judo at age three, even winning a São Paulo state title in the children’s category. But football soon stole his heart. At five, he joined the Santa Isabel Football Club’s youth academy, where dusty fields shaped his first dribbles.
At nine, a trial at Portuguesa de Desportos changed everything. The boy, with his agility and skill in futsal, immediately caught attention. Transitioning to field football, Éverton quickly adapted, showing a natural talent for midfield. His idols at the time were Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Kaká, players who inspired him with their creativity and flair. “I dreamed of being like them, making the ball dance at my feet,” Éverton recalled in an interview years later. These early years were crucial in forging his competitive mindset, far from the spotlight but close to his dreams.
From Portuguesa’s Youth to Corinthians
In 1999, Éverton joined Portuguesa’s youth ranks, balancing studies and intense training. Two years later, in 2001, at age 12, he passed trials at Corinthians, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs. There, he started as a left-back, a position demanding speed and accurate crosses. But it was in futsal that he honed his technique: quick touches, peripheral vision, and unpredictability.
At Corinthians, Éverton shone in the 2007 São Paulo Youth Cup, scoring decisive goals and helping the team lift the trophy. His professional debut came in April 2007 against América de Rio Preto in the São Paulo State Championship. At 18, he entered in the second half and showed promise, but opportunities were scarce. In 18 matches for Corinthians, he didn’t score, often playing as a substitute. The competition was fierce, with players like Wellington Saci occupying the left-back role. “It was a tough school, but I learned patience,” he said of that phase. In 2008, a loan to São Caetano proved to be a turning point.
Professional Rise and First Achievements
Rebirth at São Caetano
At São Caetano, Éverton found room to shine. Loaned for two years, he played 99 matches, scored eight goals, and, crucially, switched positions: from left-back to attacking midfielder. Under coaches like Estevam Soares, he learned to dictate the game’s rhythm with vertical passes and long-range shots. In 2010, his performances caught the eye of bigger clubs. “São Caetano gave me wings. That’s where I became the player I am today,” Éverton reflected.
The loan ended with a return to Corinthians, but without space. In 2011, he was sold to Coritiba for about 1.5 million reais on a three-year contract. At Coritiba, Éverton exploded: 82 matches, 20 goals, and assists that lit up the Paraná midfield.
Glory at Coritiba and Arrival at Cruzeiro
At Coritiba, Éverton became an undisputed starter. In 2011, he contributed to a strong Brasileirão campaign, scoring key goals against rivals like Palmeiras and São Paulo. In 2012, he won his first title: the Paraná State Championship, with memorable performances in the final against Atlético-PR. He also led Coritiba to the Copa do Brasil final, though the trophy slipped away to Palmeiras. His 20 goals in 82 matches put him on the radar of Brazil’s youth national team.
In 2013, Cruzeiro made a bold move: 4 million reais to sign him from Coritiba. It was a perfect fit. At Cruzeiro, Éverton formed a legendary partnership with Ricardo Goulart, Dagoberto, and Borges. In 108 matches, he scored 23 goals and provided 31 assists, orchestrating the midfield. The highlight was the 2013 Brasileirão, ending a ten-year title drought for the club. Éverton was named the championship’s best player, earning the Placar Bola de Ouro and the Craque do Brasileirão award. In 2014, he won the Brasileirão again and the Minas Gerais State Championship, cementing his status as a Cruzeiro idol. “Cruzeiro was my home. That’s where I became a man in football,” he confided.
International Adventure and Triumphant Return
Challenge in the UAE
In February 2015, after rumors linking him to European giants like Manchester United and Real Madrid, Éverton chose Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates for 15 million euros. It was a bold move: from Belo Horizonte to Dubai, where he played four seasons. In 106 matches, he scored 26 goals and provided 25 assists, winning five titles, including the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League and the UAE Super Cup.
The overseas experience refined his game: more physical, more tactical. He dealt with scorching heat and the pressure of an emerging football scene but maintained his Brazilian flair. In 2016, a quieter season with six goals didn’t shake his confidence. “It was a lesson in adaptation. I learned to win in different contexts,” he said of the period.
The Flamengo Idol
His return to Brazil came in June 2017, joining Flamengo for 6 million euros. Signed for four years, Éverton quickly became captain and a symbol. In 394 matches until 2023, he scored 46 goals and provided 59 assists. The peak was 2019 under Jorge Jesus: the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, the Libertadores – with a masterful performance in the final against River Plate – and the Brasileirão, with a record points tally.
In 2020, he added another Rio State Championship, Brasileirão, and Brazilian Super Cup. The 2022 Recopa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil completed 11 Flamengo titles. Éverton was named the Rio State Championship’s best player in 2019, led assists in the 2013 and 2014 Brasileirão, and was voted South America’s best player in 2022 by Conmebol. His most beautiful goals, in 2018 and 2020, became iconic. “Flamengo gave me everything: family, friends, and eternity in the fans’ hearts,” he declared upon leaving.
Brazilian National Team Career
From Youth to Senior Team
With the national team, Éverton started early. In 2007, with the U-18s, he played three matches and scored once. Two years later, in the U-20s, he won the South American Championship, with five matches and decisive performances. His senior team call-up came in 2014 under Dunga for a friendly against Colombia. In 22 matches until 2022, he scored three goals and provided one assist.
He played in the 2015 Copa América, where Brazil fell in the quarterfinals. In 2021, as runner-up, he was named the tournament’s best player, with key passes against Argentina and Colombia. In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, he was a key piece, and in November 2022, Tite took him to the World Cup in Qatar, where he played against Cameroon. “Wearing the yellow jersey is a dream come true. Every call-up was an honor,” he recalled.
Season at Bahia and 2025 Achievements
Adaptation and Leadership at Bahia
In January 2024, after seven years at Flamengo, Éverton signed with Bahia until December 2025, with an option to extend. At 34, he arrived as an experienced veteran for Bahia’s midfield. His debut was in a friendly against Blackburn, and his first official goal came against Jacobina in the Bahia State Championship. In 2024, in 61 matches, he scored six goals and provided nine assists, finishing as the team’s second-highest assist provider and helping qualify for the 2025 Libertadores.
In 2025, Éverton remained a reference. By October, he played 40 matches, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Bahia won the Bahia State Championship, with Éverton in the tournament’s best XI, and the Copa do Nordeste, defeating Confiança in the final on September 6. In the Brasileirão, he shone in a draw against Ceará in September, assisting Willian José. On September 23, he reached ten goal contributions (three goals, seven assists) for the ninth consecutive season since 2017 – his 13th in his career. “Bahia welcomed me like a son. Here, I play with joy,” he said in a January interview with ge.
In a delayed Brasileirão match against Vasco on September 23, he had a chance to boost his numbers. In the Libertadores qualifiers in January, he helped secure a spot in the group stage with a strengthened midfield. At 35, Éverton planned for the future: “I want a title with Bahia and to think about post-career, maybe a course in football management.”
Personal Life and Off-Field Legacy
Family and Balance
Married to model Marília Nery, Éverton is a devoted father. The couple met during his Flamengo years and navigates public life discreetly. Marília is his rock, especially in tough times. Off the field, Éverton enjoys golf, travel, and philanthropy. He supports social projects in Santa Isabel, like football academies for underprivileged kids, inspired by his own roots. “Football kept me off the streets. I want to give that back,” he says.
His lifestyle is disciplined: extra training, a balanced diet, and mental focus. Friends like Diego Ribas and Paolo Guerrero highlight his humility. Éverton is also a fan of Brazilian music, with MPB playlists in the locker room.
Influence and Individual Awards
With over 700 professional matches, Éverton has 14 club and national team titles. His awards include two Bola de Ouro awards (2013), Craque da Galera (2019), and Libertadores best XIs (2019, 2022). He’s a role model for young midfielders like João Gomes and Andrey Santos. His legacy? Shining in winning teams, with over 100 goals and 150 assists in his career.
Recent Updates: Overcoming Challenges and the Road Ahead
Diagnosis and Surgery
On October 7, 2025, a day after starring in Bahia’s 2-1 victory over Flamengo at Arena Fonte Nova – with decisive passes – Éverton shocked Brazil with a social media announcement. At 36, he revealed a diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer, the most common and least aggressive type. “About a month ago, I was diagnosed. Today, I had surgery, and everything went well, thank God,” he wrote, sharing a photo with his family.
The news sparked widespread support. Clubs like Cruzeiro, Flamengo, and Corinthians expressed solidarity. Bahia issued a statement highlighting his importance. Éverton, who noticed symptoms a month earlier – swelling in the neck and fatigue – chose to play against Flamengo, showing resilience. The surgery on October 6 removed his entire thyroid, coinciding with the FIFA break and a paused Brasileirão.
Recovery and Optimism
On October 8, Éverton updated fans: at home with family, he recorded a video confirming the pathology showed no metastasis, requiring no chemotherapy or radiotherapy. “It was a tumor with no defined cause, but the surgery was a success. I’m recovering with faith,” he said. Marília, his wife, was crucial: she researched specialists and supported him in the days leading up to the procedure.
On October 9, another video: “We’ve set a safe goal. I’ll return 100%, focused, and happy to help my teammates on the pitch.” Doctors estimate recovery in weeks, with lifelong hormone replacement. Bahia’s next match is October 16 against Vitória, but Éverton prioritizes health. “Having you all by my side makes all the difference. We’ll win this battle together,” he concluded.
This resilience reinforces his character. In January 2025, he spoke of 2026 plans, with an option to extend at Bahia. Now, at 36, the focus is returning for the Libertadores and Brasileirão. His contract runs until December 2025, with rumors of a return to Cruzeiro or Flamengo, but Éverton remains committed to Bahia.
The Future of a Warrior
With recovery underway, Éverton Ribeiro continues to inspire. His return to the pitch, expected in November, will be celebrated as a personal triumph. At Bahia, he dreams of the club’s first national title. Off the field, he plans to study sports management, perhaps as an ambassador. “Football is my life, but family is everything,” he sums up.
Éverton Ribeiro is more than a player; he’s a symbol of perseverance. From Arujá to global stages, from titles to battling illness, his story motivates. Here’s to more chapters in this tricolor epic.
