Former Manchester City striker Jo has been arrested for the fourth time in Brazil over outstanding child maintenance payments totalling £31,500.
Fourth Arrest in Child Support Case
The 38-year-old former Brazil international, whose full name is Joao Alves de Assis Silva, was detained by police officers while attending a barbecue at a street food kiosk in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. This marks the fourth time the ex-footballer has been arrested in relation to unpaid child maintenance fees.
According to court documents, the specific debt leading to this latest arrest amounts to R$220,744.57 (approximately £31,500) from a 2024 legal process. Police transported Jo to the 16th Police District in Barra da Tijuca following his detention.
Pattern of Legal Troubles
This is not the first time the former footballer has faced legal action over child support payments. Last year alone, Jo was detained twice in Campinas and once in Contagem for the same issue.
While it's unclear if the current debt relates to their son Joao Gabriel, ex-girlfriend Maiara Quiderolly previously commented publicly on Jo's payment failures. In an emotional Instagram video from 2024, she stated: "Chose a s*** father for my son. I can't receive the pension correctly, when he pays on the right day, he pays in different amounts, so I can't receive it correctly."
Quiderolly added: "The only thing set by law, he doesn't do correctly! It's always torture to get things, and always I'm considered wrong."
From Record Signing to Repeated Arrests
Jo's football career reached its peak when Manchester City made him their record signing in 2008, paying CSKA Moscow £19 million under then-manager Mark Hughes. However, his time in England proved disappointing as he managed just six goals in 42 appearances for City.
The striker experienced loan spells at Everton and Galatasaray before returning to Brazil in 2011. He later enjoyed a career resurgence at Atletico Mineiro, which earned him a recall to the Brazilian national team.
Jo represented Brazil at the 2014 World Cup on home soil, making three appearances including starting the third-place play-off defeat to Netherlands. This capped his international career at 20 appearances for his country.
The former star had previously been released from custody after settling outstanding amounts demanded by authorities. Jo retired from professional football for the second time earlier this year following a spell with Brazilian fourth division side Itabirito - his 14th different club during a senior career that included three stints with Corinthians.
