João Victor da Silva Marcelino is one of those names that resonates strongly in the world of Brazilian football. Born on July 17, 1998, in Bauru, in the interior of São Paulo, this 1.87m-tall centre-back with an imposing physique has built a career marked by grit, versatility, and a rare ability to adapt to international challenges. At 27 years old, he has already worn the shirts of giants such as Corinthians and Benfica, had a brief return to Brazil with Vasco da Gama, and most recently embarked on a new adventure in Russia, now defending CSKA Moscow. His journey is not just about own-goals prevented or crucial tackles; it’s one of overcoming adversity, multi-million-euro transfers, and a talent that continues to evolve. In this article, we dive into João Victor’s path, highlighting the defining moments and the latest developments in his current chapter.
Early Steps: From Bauru to the Youth Academies
Every great player starts small, and João Victor is no exception. Raised in Bauru—a city famous for basketball but that also nurtures football dreams—he discovered his passion for the sport as a child. At age 12, he joined the youth system of Corinthians, the Timão, the club that would become the foundation of his development. “I came from a humble family where football was more than fun—it was hope,” he once shared in an interview on the club’s official website.
In Corinthians’ academy, João Victor stood out for his defensive solidity and game-reading ability that was exceptional for his age. He played in the 2016 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, where Corinthians reached the semi-finals, catching the eye of scouts. His rise was swift: in 2017, at 19, he signed his first professional contract. But the path wasn’t all early glory. Minor injuries and fierce competition in the defence kept him on the bench for seasons, forcing him to mature away from the spotlight. It was during this time that he refined his style: right-footed, strong in the air, and precise with long passes—qualities that would make him a valuable asset in the senior team.
Establishing Himself at Corinthians: From Backup to Starter
João Victor’s first-team debut for Corinthians came in 2019 against Botafogo in the Copa do Brasil. He came on in the second half and, in his first full match, scored with a header in a derby against Palmeiras. That goal not only silenced the rivals but signalled the young defender’s potential. In the 2020 season, with the departure of players like Walter and Henrique, he claimed a starting spot alongside Gil, forming a partnership that helped Corinthians win the Campeonato Paulista.
In total, he played over 50 matches for Corinthians, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His peak came in 2021: João Victor was a key piece in the Copa Libertadores campaign that reached the round of 16. His consistency attracted attention from Europe. “Playing for Corinthians taught me how to handle pressure. Here, every game feels like a final,” he said at a press conference before his departure. The transfer to Benfica for around €6 million marked the end of one era and the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.
Benfica: The Leap to European Elite
Arriving at Benfica in July 2021 was like jumping from a regional train to a supersonic jet. The Lisbon club, three-time European champions, signed the Brazilian to bolster their defence alongside names like Vertonghen and Otamendi. João Victor debuted in the Portuguese Super Cup, won 2–0 against Sporting, and quickly settled in. In the 2021/22 season, he played 28 league matches, helping Benfica finish third and progress in the Champions League.
Adaptation, however, wasn’t flawless. The intensity of European football, with matches every three days, exposed weaknesses in his recovery speed in open spaces. Short loans, such as to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, served as valuable lessons. “Europe will break you if you don’t reinvent yourself,” he reflected in a recent podcast. Back at Benfica in 2023, he regained his place, though muscle injuries limited him to 15 appearances the following season. Still, his €100 million release clause reflected the club’s faith in him. During this period he lifted the Taça da Liga in 2023, even captaining the side on an interim basis.
Challenges and Loans: Lessons in Resilience
João Victor’s time at Benfica was a rollercoaster, but the loan spells were crucial for his growth. At PSV in 2022, he absorbed Dutch high-pressing tactics, playing 12 games and scoring against Feyenoord. Upon returning, new signings increased competition, leading to a 2023 loan to Coritiba in Brazil to regain rhythm. There, he was an undisputed starter in 20 matches, helping the club avoid relegation.
These periods of instability tested his mentality. “I thought about giving up, but football is like life: you fall seven times, you get up eight,” he shared on social media. Returning to Benfica in mid-2023 brought stability, but the Portuguese club needed sales to balance the books. Thus, in December 2023, a loan to Vasco da Gama with an option to buy was announced—a move that reignited his love for Brazilian football.
Return to Brazil: Passion for Vasco da Gama
Vasco signed João Victor as the second-most expensive acquisition in their history, paying around €4 million upfront plus bonuses. In January 2024, he was presented at a packed São Januário, promising “blood and sweat” for the Cruzmaltino. As an undisputed starter, he anchored Vasco’s defence in the Brasileirão, where the team fought for a Libertadores spot. In 35 appearances, his defence conceded just 28 goals, and he scored twice—including in a classic win over Flamengo.
Under coaches Ramón Díaz and later Álvaro Pacheco, João Victor quickly became a fan favourite. His on-field leadership, precise tackling, and dominance in the air echoed classic Brazilian centre-backs like Thiago Silva. Yet in August 2025, a twist: after intense negotiations, he was sold to CSKA Moscow for €5 million—a fraction of his Benfica release clause but a deal that eased Vasco’s finances. “It was hard to leave Brazil again, but football calls me to new horizons,” he said in his farewell.
New Adventure at CSKA Moscow: Adapting to the Russian Cold
In August 2025, João Victor landed in Moscow to sign with CSKA, a traditional club in the Russian Premier League and three-time national champions. The €5 million transfer represented a fresh start at 27. “Russia is a different challenge: the climate, the physical style… but I love it,” he said at his unveiling. By November 2025, he had already played 10 matches, averaging 85% pass accuracy and two tackles per game.
CSKA, fighting for the league title, see the Brazilian as the ideal partner for captain Viktor Vasin. His debut came against Spartak in an electrifying derby that ended 1–1, with João Victor neutralizing the opposition’s promising striker. Off the pitch, he adapts to the Siberian cold by training with heaters and posting snowy Instagram stories to his 500,000+ followers.
Latest Updates: Financial Disputes and Call-Ups
2025 has been eventful for João Victor. In October, Benfica filed a lawsuit against Vasco for €4.5 million still owed from the 2024 transfer, citing unpaid FIFA solidarity clauses. After tense negotiations, the parties reached an amicable agreement with instalment payments, relieving the Rio club. “All resolved. Now focus on the pitch,” the defender posted.
Another highlight: in September, he received his first call-up to the Brazilian Olympic team ahead of the 2028 Games. “Almost a year after the U-23 World Cup title, everything has changed in my life,” he celebrated, referring to the 2024 tournament in Uzbekistan. Rumours of interest from Porto and Milan circulate, but João Victor rules out early exits.
Playing Style, Achievements and Legacy
João Victor is the modern centre-back: strong in one-on-one duels, visionary with long balls, and charismatic enough to motivate the team. His honours include the 2020 Paulista with Corinthians, the Taça da Liga with Benfica, and keeping Vasco in Série A. Sofascore statistics show an average rating of 7.2 in 2025, with 92% of aerial duels won.
Off the pitch, he is an ambassador for social projects in Bauru, supporting football schools for underprivileged children. Married and father to a young boy, he balances his career with family, posting photos of Brazilian barbecues even in Moscow.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
João Victor is not just a defender—he is an example of persistence in a ruthless sport. From Bauru to the freezing fields of Moscow, his journey inspires young talents to dream big. At 27, he has at least another decade to collect trophies and, who knows, earn a call-up to the senior Seleção. Football is grateful for names like his, who turn obstacles into stepping stones. And you, fan: where will João Victor shine in 2026?
