Jefinho (Paralympic footballer)

Jeferson da Conceição Gonçalves (born 5 October 1989) is a Brazilian Paralympic and blind footballer.[1][2]

Jefinho
Personal information
NationalityBrazilian
Born5 October 1989 (1989-10-05) (age 34)
Candeias

Early life

Jefinho was born in 1989 in Candeias, Brazil.[3] He became blind at the age of seven after suffering from glaucoma.[4][5]

Career

Jefinho has been regarded as one of the best blind football players worldwide.[6] He debuted for the Brazil national blind football team in 2006 at the age of fourteen.[7]

He was selected to play at the Rio Parapan American Games and the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2007 and 2008 respectively where he won gold medals at both events.[8]

At London 2012, Jefinho, or the “Paralympic Pelé” as he is sometimes known, also starred in the final, as Brazil beat France 2-0.[9]

In 2014, Jefinho was one of the best players of the tournament at the 2014 World Championships where Brazil retained its world title with a win over Argentina.

Style of play

Jefinho is known for his speed.[10]

Personal life

Jefinho is nicknamed the "Paralympic Pelé" after Brazil international Pelé.[11][12]

References
  1. "Meet Jefinho: The 'Paralympic Pele' who has fired Brazil to the brink of 5-a-side glory in Rio". Mirror.
  2. "Paralympic Pele: Brazil hails blind soccer star". USA TODAY.
  3. Santos, Sonilton (September 16, 2021). "Pentacampeão paralímpico do futebol de cinco, candeiense Jefinho completa 15 anos de atuação com a verde e amarela". destaque1.com.
  4. "Recuperado, Jefinho vive expectativa de disputar quinta Paralimpíada pelo Brasil". CBDV.
  5. "Watch: Blind footballer dubbed 'Paralympic Pele' dribbles on par with Neymar". Hindustan Times. 15 Sep 2016. Retrieved 3 Jun 2024.
  6. "Jefinho se prepara para o tri paraolímpico no Rio". uol.com.br.
  7. "Jefinho, el 'Pelé paralímpico' ciego que ya tiene cuatro oros consecutivos". marca.com.
  8. "Jeferson Goncalves". International Paralympic Committee. 5 Oct 1989. Retrieved 3 Jun 2024.
  9. "Paralympic Pele: Brazil hails blind soccer star". AP News. 2016-09-15. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  10. "Jefinho: el 'Pelé paralímpico'". marca.com.
  11. "Jefinho, el crack que ganó todo y quiere más". International Paralympic Committee.
  12. Spink, Alex (2016-09-17). "Meet Jefinho: The 'Paralympic Pele' who has fired Brazil towards of Rio glory". The Mirror. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
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