Former Manchester City striker Jo has been arrested in Brazil over alleged missed child support payments. The 37-year-old, full name Joao Alves de Assis Silva, was detained by Federal Police at Sao Paulo International Airport on Thursday as he was about to board a flight.
It is not the first time the Brazilian has been taken into custody for failing to pay child support. He was arrested in May 2024 ahead of a Serie B match for Amazonas against Ponte Preta, but was released the following day after his defence team submitted a request approved by a court.
Jo’s lawyer, Guilherme Motai, said the failure to pay stemmed from an unrealistic financial situation. “That failure stems from a financial situation that’s unrealistic - it doesn’t reflect the ex-player’s current reality,” Motai told local media. “He’s not shirking his responsibilities, but those responsibilities need to be in line with his circumstances.” The case is reported to have been brought by influencer Maiara Quiderolly, with whom Jo had an affair, resulting in the birth of his eighth child, Joao Gabriel.
Jo joined Manchester City for a club-record £19 million in 2008 but failed to justify the fee, scoring only six goals in 42 appearances. He spent time on loan at Everton and left with an FA Cup winners’ medal, despite not playing in the 2011 final. He later played in the UAE, China and Japan before returning to Brazil, most recently for fourth-division side Itabirito. Internationally, he earned 20 caps for Brazil, scoring five goals, and was part of the 2013 Confederations Cup-winning squad and the 2014 World Cup team.
