Life after professional football can go in many directions, and for some former stars, the challenges off the pitch end up overshadowing everything they did on it.
That’s the situation swirling once again around ex-Manchester City striker Jo, who has reportedly found himself in legal hot water for the fourth time—this time while at a casual barbecue gathering in Rio de Janeiro.
Fresh Arrest Sparks New Attention
According to reports, the 38-year-old—who is a father to eight children—was detained on Thursday over unpaid child support that has allegedly accumulated to around £31,500 this year alone.
This latest incident adds to a string of similar arrests, with previous run-ins occurring in Campinas and Contagem over the very same issue.
Ex-Girlfriend Calls Him Out Publicly
One of his former partners, Maira Quiderolly, hasn’t shied away from expressing her frustrations.
After an earlier arrest in 2024 made headlines, she publicly labelled Jo a “terrible father.”
It remains unclear whether the current child maintenance dispute involves their son, Joao Gabriel, but Quiderolly has continued to air her grievances openly.
Social Media Frustration and Emotional Strain
In a candid Instagram video, she vented about the ongoing difficulties in receiving child support.
She claimed the payments—when they come—are either delayed or inconsistent, leaving her feeling exhausted and unfairly blamed.
Her message grew even more emotional when she spoke about their son, saying he has already accepted his father’s absence, while other children hold onto hope of a call or a visit that never comes.
When asked by a follower about the struggles of raising a child alone, she hinted that the hardest questions from her son are still ahead.
She said she would rather raise him without a father present than expose him to someone she considers a negative example.
A Year Marked by Repeated Arrests
One of the more dramatic moments happened back in May 2024, when Jo—then playing for Serie B club Amazonas—was reportedly pulled off the team bus on his way to a match against Ponte Preta.
Police took him to the 10th Police District in Campinas, where he spent the night before paying what was required to secure his release.
From Record Signing to a Nomadic Career
Jo’s football journey has always been colourful.
Manchester City made him their record signing in 2008 with a £19 million move from CSKA Moscow, but he struggled to find his footing in the Premier League.
Instead, he saw more success on loan with Everton and later spent time at Galatasaray.
After returning to Brazil, he featured for several clubs—including two stints with Corinthians—before finally calling time on his career earlier this year after a short spell with Itabirito.
What’s Next?
At this point, Jo’s immediate future depends heavily on how quickly he can resolve his outstanding financial obligations.
Authorities in Brazil have shown they’re willing to intervene repeatedly, and with multiple children involved, the legal pressure isn’t likely to ease anytime soon.
Public criticism from former partners also suggests that his personal relationships remain strained.
If Jo wants to avoid further arrests and restore some stability, regularising his child support payments—and rebuilding trust with his family—will be essential steps moving forward.
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