Brazilians and Newcastle – My story as a fan from the same state as Joelinton

As a Brazilian who supports Newcastle United, I wanted to share the growing connection between my native country and the club on Tyneside that I have grown to love. My journey with Newcastle began around 10 years ago when I stumbled upon a career mode series on YouTube that featured the Magpies.

Coming from the same state as Joelinton and being a supporter of Sport Recife, the team where he was discovered, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to Newcastle.

I saw similarities between Newcastle and Sport Recife, as both clubs from the Northeast have long histories and have often fought to stay in the top divisions of their respective leagues. The people of Pernambuco are well-known as a people who are very proud of their origins, and the supporters of Sport Recife even more so.

With Joelinton’s move to Newcastle and the club’s growing global image, it has become quite common to see multiple Newcastle shirts “walking” the streets, especially in Recife, but also in Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro, where Bruno is extremely popular, and throughout Brazil as a whole.

 With Newcastle, that narrative changed dramatically after the acquisition by PIF. I witnessed Newcastle’s transformation from Championship winners to a Champions League team, re-establishing themselves as a major force in English football. So, I decided to talk a little about Newcastle’s relationship with Brazil and how it has boosted the arrival of more Brazilians in the Premier League.

The English Premier League, known today as the most important league, has undergone a remarkable transformation from its early days as a predominantly British competition to becoming a global giant. This metamorphosis not only altered the landscape of English football but also paved the way for the arrival of international talents, including Brazilian stars who left a permanent mark on the league. Among these pioneers was Mirandinha, whose journey to Newcastle United in the 1980s marked the beginning of a new era for South American and, particularly, Brazilian footballers in England.

In the early days of English football, the league was heavily composed of British players, with few forays of foreign talents. The structure of the championship reflected the culture and mentality of the time, focused on a more physical and direct approach to the game. Signings were predominantly local, and the presence of players from outside the United Kingdom was minimal.

Over the years, the league began to open up to the world. The globalisation of football and the increase in television broadcasts brought a new era of visibility and investment. Clubs began to recognise the value of attracting foreign players who could bring new skills and styles of play. This culminated in the creation of the Premier League in 1992, which quickly became a showcase for global talents.

However, even before the creation of the Premier League, Mirandinha’s arrival at Newcastle United in 1987 was a historic milestone. Francisco Ernandi Lima da Silva, better known as Mirandinha, was the first Brazilian player to play in English football.

According to Mirandinha himself, in an interview with oGol, his transfer to Newcastle was surprising even to him, as he had been scouted by teams in Italy and Spain. The transfer of the Palmeiras player to Newcastle happened when he was representing the Brazilian national team on a tour of Europe, starting precisely in England. In his debut with the national team, Mirandinha scored the goal that equalised for Brazil against England at Wembley.

Mirandinha was not only the first Brazilian to play in England, but also one of the first South Americans; in that season, apart from him, only the Argentine Osvaldo Ardiles, who had been playing for Tottenham for some time, took to the field.

Mirandinha’s arrival was just the beginning. In the following years, the Premier League saw a steady influx of Brazilian talents who brought a new dimension to English football. Players like Juninho Paulista, a legend at Middlesbrough, Gilberto Silva, an Invincible with Arsenal, Alisson and Firmino, who won everything with Liverpool recently, not only stood out in their teams but also helped elevate the standard of football in the league.

In recent years, the Premier League has continued to be a stage where Brazilian talents shine, and Newcastle United has been a perfect example of this trend. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton at the club brought new energy and excitement not only to the team but also to the local fans, who developed a special affection for Brazilian players and, consequently, for Brazil. It is common to see numerous flags referencing Brazil and several green and yellow “dots” scattered among the fans at St James’ Park on match days. Oddly enough, Newcastle even had kits in green and yellow or blue and yellow very similar to the uniforms of the Brazilian national team in the 70s, 80s and 90s. While I couldn’t find any explicit connection to Brazil, it feels like destiny was at work, uniting Brazilians and Newcastle United.

Joelinton, who arrived at Newcastle in 2019 from Hoffenheim, had a very challenging start to his career at the club under Steve Bruce. Signed as a striker, he struggled to find his best form in the early seasons and became somewhat of a joke among those who followed the league. However, with the arrival of Eddie Howe, Joey found new life playing in a deeper, midfield role. Since then, Big Joe has made great strides to become not only a major leader for the Magpies but also a significant idol due to his commitment on the pitch and his affection for the fans. This tactical change revealed Joe’s true capability. His physical strength, tireless work ethic, and ball-recovery ability have made him a vital player for the team. Joelinton’s resilience and ability to overcome difficulties won the hearts of the fans, who came to see him as an example of determination and dedication.

Bruno Guimarães joined Newcastle United in January 2022 from Lyon and quickly became a key figure in the team’s midfield. Known for his vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Bruno brought a new dimension to Newcastle’s play.

His adaptability to English football was impressive, and he quickly established himself as one of the team’s key players. Bruno’s impact extends beyond the pitch; his humility and professionalism earned him the respect and admiration of teammates and fans alike. Newcastle’s fans, known for their passion and loyalty, quickly embraced Guimarães as one of their own, celebrating his performances with enthusiasm.

Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton are writing new chapters in Newcastle United’s rich history. They represent the continued influence of Brazilians in the Premier League and the importance of having players who not only contribute with their skills but also connect deeply with the local community.

The Newcastle fans’ love for Brazilians is a testament to football’s power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures. As Bruno and Joelinton continue to shine, they not only elevate the team’s level but also reinforce the special bond between Newcastle United and Brazil.

For Brazilian Newcastle fans like me, the journey of these players is a source of pride and emotion. They are living proof that football can transcend borders, creating unforgettable stories and lasting bonds that withstand the test of time.

As the Wor Flags display says: Newcastle Upon Tyne, a home away from home.