The story of Joelinton at Newcastle United is perhaps the most remarkable transformation in modern Premier League history. When the Brazilian first arrived at St James’ Park in 2019, he carried the heavy burden of a club-record £40 million price tag and the weight of the iconic number nine shirt.
For a long time, it seemed like a mismatch. He struggled to find the back of the net as a traditional striker, and many feared he would become another expensive mistake in the club’s long history. Fast forward to today, and that same player is now widely regarded as the heartbeat of the team a midfield powerhouse who has fully embraced the city and its culture.
Recently, Joelinton opened up about his journey, his deep love for the club, and his burning desire to bring even more silverware to the North East after the team’s historic Carabao Cup victory last season.
While Newcastle’s Wembley triumph over Liverpool saw several heroes emerge, many fans and pundits believe Joelinton was the standout performer on that magical day. Lifting the trophy was more than just a win for him; it was the ultimate validation of a redemption story that few could have predicted.
Having tasted success, the Brazilian is now hungrier than ever. He has made it clear that his goal is to help Newcastle United grow into one of the most dominant forces in world football. His ambition is not just to play for the club, but to etch his name permanently into its history by winning multiple trophies and elevating the team to new heights.
The turning point for Joelinton’s career came with the arrival of Eddie Howe. Before Howe took charge, Joelinton was a striker struggling for confidence. The manager saw something different a combination of immense physical strength, technical skill, and a tireless work rate.
By moving him into a deeper midfield role, Howe unlocked a version of Joelinton that left supporters in awe. The player is quick to credit the manager for this shift, expressing immense gratitude for the trust and guidance he has received.
Joelinton describes his relationship with Howe as one built on deep respect and affection, noting that the “gaffer” helped him grow not just as an athlete, but as a person as well.
Reflecting on his earlier struggles on Tyneside, Joelinton speaks with the maturity of a man who has been through the fire and come out stronger. He admits that there were times when his level of play wasn’t where it needed to be, but he insists that his effort was never in doubt.
He believes that the challenges he faced during those difficult first years were essential for his growth. By overcoming the criticism and the self-doubt, he developed a mental toughness that now defines his game.
His philosophy is simple: if you work hard and stay confident in your own abilities, good things will eventually follow. This mindset has turned him from a figure of frustration into a cult hero among the Newcastle faithful.
Life in Newcastle has become a family affair for the 29-year-old. He arrived as a young man in a new country, and over the years, the city has become his true home. One of his children was born in the local hospital, and he speaks fondly of the way the community has embraced him and his family.
He often highlights the role of his wife, whom he calls his best friend, for standing by him through the lowest points of his career. For Joelinton, the club has given him much more than just a job; it has provided a foundation for his life, and he feels a deep obligation to repay that kindness on the pitch.
The timing of these declarations is significant as the summer transfer window approaches. Joelinton will have two years remaining on his contract, a period where clubs often look to secure their key assets with new long-term deals.
His public commitment to the club’s long-term vision suggests that he sees his future nowhere else but St James’ Park. He speaks with pride about the rapid growth the club has seen since the change in ownership, noting how far the infrastructure and ambitions have come since he first walked through the doors in 2019.
As Newcastle continues its journey to become a global powerhouse, players like Joelinton represent the soul of the project. He is proof that with the right coaching and a resilient spirit, a player can reinvent themselves and achieve greatness.
His dream is to see the trophy cabinet at St James’ Park filled with more silverware, and he is ready to be the engine that drives the team toward that goal. For the fans who once doubted him, he is now the player they look to when the game gets tough a symbol of the club’s own transformation and a leader who is determined to make Newcastle United the best in the world.
