Who Is Juninho Pernambucano? Age, Biography and Wiki
Juninho Pernambucano, born on January 30, 1975, is a renowned Brazilian footballer and sporting director. As of 2025, he turns 50 years old. Known for his extraordinary skills on the pitch, particularly in taking free kicks, Juninho has left an indelible mark on football history. His career includes impressive stints at clubs like Lyon, Vasco da Gama, and the Brazilian national team. Since hanging up his boots, he has transitioned into a successful sporting director, showcasing his keen eye for talent and management.
| Occupation | Soccer Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1975 |
| Age | 50 Years |
| Birth Place | Recife, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Juninho Pernambucano's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Juninho stands at an impressive height of 1.76 meters (5 feet 9 inches) and weighs around 78 kg (172 lbs). Throughout his career, he maintained a fit and athletic build, essential for his role as a midfielder and set-piece specialist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a private individual, Juninho believes in keeping his family and personal life away from the public eye. He is married, although he tends to keep details about his spouse and family relatively low-key. There haven’t been any high-profile relationships or controversies in his past, focusing instead on his family life and career.
Juninho is one of the few footballers to publicly speak out against racism in the country, as well as criticize Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right former president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. He is a father and a grandfather.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Juninho Pernambucano's estimated net worth is around $30 million. His financial success can be attributed to his illustrious football career, endorsements, and current role as a sporting director. While his exact salary can vary, it's estimated that he earns a significant income from his position in football management, alongside royalties from his past professional engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Juninho's career began in Brazil, where he made a name for himself at Vasco da Gama. His peak came during his time at Olympique Lyonnais, where he helped the team secure multiple Ligue 1 titles and made a lasting impact with his signature free-kick style. After retiring, Juninho pivoted to a career as a sporting director. His vision and understanding of the game have led to fruitful partnerships and player developments.
In addition to football, Juninho is involved in various investments. He promotes sports initiatives, engages in charitable activities, and invests in businesses related to health and wellness, further diversifying his portfolio.
Juninho began his professional career in 1993 with Brazilian club Sport do Recife. Two years later he joined Vasco da Gama where he played over 100 matches and won six titles.
In 2001, he joined Division 1 side Lyon where he played for the next eight years, winning seven consecutive league titles and scoring 100 goals in 343 official appearances for the club. Following his departure from Lyon in 2009, Juninho played in Qatar with Al-Gharafa and in the United States with New York Red Bulls.
The latter stint was wedged between two spells back at Vasco, where he ultimately retired in 2013.
Social Network
Juninho is active on social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares insights from his life and career. He has a substantial following, reflecting his legendary status in the world of football. Through his posts, he often shares motivational messages and updates regarding his current professional endeavors.
"Much like King Arthur had Excalibur and William Tell his crossbow, the folk hero Juninho possessed his own special weapon to save the day — his legendary free-kicks. No one hit a free-kick quite like Juninho.
No one." A talented right-footed midfielder, beyond his qualities as a set-piece specialist, Juninho was also known for his skill as an offensive playmaker, and for his ability to produce effective passes, which led him to getting assists on many of his teammates' goals throughout his career.
He was also gifted with good technical ability and intelligence, as well as excellent vision and passing range, and powerful and accurate striking ability from distance; furthermore, he drew praise in the media for his tenacity, work-rate, composure under pressure, strong character, and leadership, which saw him serve as club captain both at Lyon a
nd Al-Gharafa.
A versatile player, although he usually played as an attacking midfielder, he was also capable of playing as a winger or as a central midfielder.
Education
While specific details about Juninho’s education are limited, he emphasized the importance of learning throughout his football career. His experiences in various tactical setups and working under highly knowledgeable coaches have contributed significantly to his understanding of the sport. As an advocate for youth development, he is committed to educating the next generation of footballers.
On 27 April 2011, Juninho rejoined his former club Vasco da Gama. He scored his first goal for them in his first game back, via a freekick against Corinthians. He scored another 2 free kicks and a penalty during the course of the Brazilian top flight season.
On 28 March 2012, he played and scored a goal for a 4–1 lead in Edmundo's farewell game against Barcelona Sporting Club. Vasco went on to win this game 9–1.
Juninho then scored a trademark free kick against Esporte Clube Bahia in the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro; that goal was to be his 16th since returning to Vasco from Al-Gharafa.
Conclusion
As we observe Juninho Pernambucano in 2025, his legacy continues to grow, inspiring countless fans and players worldwide. From his remarkable career to his current role in football management, he remains a significant figure in the sporting community. With his wealth of knowledge, dedication, and commitment to the game, Juninho is not just a former star player but also a pivotal force in shaping the future of football.
