Who Is Juninho Paulista? Age, Biography and Wiki
Juninho Paulista, born on February 22, 1973, is a celebrated Brazilian footballer renowned for his exceptional skills on the pitch. As of 2025, he is 52 years old. His illustrious career includes successful stints at several renowned clubs and an impressive international career with the Brazilian national team. Not only is he remembered for his game, but also for his contributions to football culture in Brazil and worldwide.
| Occupation | Soccer Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1973 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Juninho Paulista's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 5 feet 6 inches (170 cm), Juninho has a sturdy athletic build, weighing around 145 lbs (66 kg). Though his playing days may be behind him, he maintains a fit lifestyle, reflecting his dedication to health and wellness. His agility and endurance during his playing days were as notable as his striking technique.
Although clubs in Brazil, Qatar, and Hong Kong were reportedly keen on signing Juninho, he opted to join Sydney FC in the A-League as the club's marquee player, signing on 1 August 2007, stating that the interest the club showed towards him made a strong contribution to the decision.
Due to a shoulder injury early in the season, Juninho spent large periods on the bench and his on-field performances were hampered by chronic pain, aggressive play and secondary injuries, requiring painkillers and cortisone before each match.
Despite this, he managed several strong showings including a masterful performance in Sydney's 5–3 victory over LA Galaxy.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Juninho Paulista has often kept his personal life private, with limited public disclosure surrounding his relationships. As of 2025, he is rumored to be dating a mysterious girlfriend, but details remain scarce.
- Current Relationship Status: Dating
- Previous Relationships: Juninho has a past marriage, with children who are occasionally featured in his social media posts. He values family time and maintains a close relationship with his children.
In October 1995, Juninho signed for English club Middlesbrough for £4.75 million, just months after they had been promoted to the English top-flight FA Premier League. Then aged 22, Juninho had been tracked by numerous European top clubs, and it was a major surprise when he signed for "the Teessiders".
Juninho became known as "TLF" (The Little Fella) by Boro fans, after local radio broadcaster Dave Roberts nicknamed the player on his football talk show. The nickname alludes to his height: only 1.65 m. During his time with Middlesbrough, Juninho lived in Levendale and Ingleby Barwick with his parents.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Juninho Paulista's estimated net worth is around $15 million. Throughout his career, he earned a significant income from football contracts, endorsements, and appearances. His involvement in football-related ventures post-retirement continues to contribute to his wealth.
Sydney's strong signings, which used a large amount of their salary cap, made a new contract look unlikely. A number of A-League clubs including Perth Glory, Gold Coast United and Adelaide United expressed their desire to sign Juninho.
Following the signing of a new marquee player and other players, including Australian international John Aloisi, Sydney FC declined to offer Juninho a new contract. He was released in the off-season. In April 2008, Juninho later announced his retirement from professional football.
Career, Business and Investments
Juninho's career path began in the junior leagues before his breakthrough with São Paulo FC, highlighting his early potential as a phenomenal midfielder. His journey includes pivotal moments at several clubs, such as Bordeaux, Middlesbrough, and Corinthians, and reaching the pinnacle of success with the Brazilian national team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
In addition to his football career, Juninho has ventured into business, engaging in sports academies and fostering young talent in Brazil. He has also made smart investments in local enterprises, contributing to his growing portfolio.
Osvaldo Giroldo Júnior (born 22 February 1973), known as Juninho or Juninho Paulista, is a Brazilian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and is now the national team co-ordinator of the Brazil national football team.
During his professional career, he played for Brazilian clubs São Paulo, Vasco da Gama, Palmeiras, Flamengo, as well as English club Middlesbrough, Spanish club Atlético Madrid, Celtic in Scotland and Sydney FC in Australia.
Social Network
Juninho stays connected with his fans and the football community through various social media platforms, providing insights into his life and career.
- Instagram: @juninhopaulista
- Twitter: @juninhopaulista
- Facebook: Juninho Paulista
Education
While Juninho's primary focus has been football, his education journey reflects a commitment to personal growth. He studied sports management and business with the aim of paving a successful career post-football. His educational endeavors have equipped him with the knowledge necessary for his current business ventures.
