John John moves to Zenit for record 20 million euros

Zenit has officially announced the transfer of 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder John John from Red Bull Bragantino. The deal is worth around 20 million euros, which is a record income for the Brazilian club. The contract is signed until summer 2031. Palmeiras retains 20% of any future transfer fee, as the player began his professional career there.

Zenit«s board chairman Konstantin Zyryanov noted that the player has significantly progressed in recent months and showed a strong desire to join the St. Petersburg team. »He has become stronger in the last six months. He really wanted to come to us – and it was visible in his game,« said Zyryanov.

The negotiations were complicated due to international sanctions, which hinder direct financial operations between Russian and foreign clubs. The deal was structured using a complex scheme with deferrals and split into several installments. The first attempt in summer 2025 was unsuccessful, but in winter, Bragantino showed willingness to agree.

The acquisition of John John is linked to the need to strengthen Zenit«s attacking line. The team of Sergei Semak finished the autumn part of the season in second place in the Russian Premier League (RPL), behind Krasnodar, and needs fresh ideas in attack, especially after the departure of Gerson and experiments with other players.

The coaching staff sees the newcomer as a classic «number 10» – a player capable of creating chances, breaking through the opponent«s defense with dribbling, and making key passes. Moreover, John John can play in various positions, including on the wings or as a false nine, which adds tactical flexibility.

Jonathan dos Santos Rosa was born on September 9, 2002, in Vitoria, Espirito Santo state. His father, known as Pele, was a professional footballer, which influenced John«s early interest in the ball. From childhood, he developed his technique by playing footvolley and beach soccer, which shaped his unconventional style.

John John«s football journey began at the Primavera academy, from where he moved to Palmeiras. In 2021, the 18-year-old midfielder debuted for the main team but failed to secure a regular place.

During his time at Palmeiras, John John played 44 matches in all tournaments, recording only two assists. He rarely appeared in the starting lineup, which limited his playing time and development.

Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira highly rated the young player«s potential but urged caution. »Here, young players are very quickly elevated to stars – either a genius or a failure, with no shades of gray,« said Ferreira, commenting on the pressure on the midfielder.

In summer 2024, for playing time, John John moved to Red Bull Bragantino for 4 million euros. This transfer became a turning point in his career, providing him with a regular starting spot.

Brazilian football expert Alexander Spivak noted that at Bragantino, the midfielder strengthened physically and mentally. «He is incredibly stable, plays very well with his body, and easily handles being surrounded by several opponents,» said Spivak.

At his new club, John John quickly became a key player. Already in his debut match on July 25, 2024, he scored a goal against Ecuadorian Barcelona in the Copa Sudamericana.

In the 2025 season, the Brazilian played 51 matches, scored 13 goals, and made 11 assists. He became one of the few footballers to achieve a «10+10» record in the Brazilian Serie A, and was recognized as the player of the year at Bragantino.

The start of the 2026 season confirmed his growth: in the first two rounds of the Paulista League, John John scored three goals, including a brace against Corinthians. In Brazil, he began to be compared to Claudinho, who also moved from Bragantino to Zenit.

John John«s playing style combines technique, creativity, and physical resilience. He handles the ball excellently, efficiently dribbles past opponents, and has a sharp pass, reminiscent of players like Wendel and Claudinho.

Despite a height of 178 cm (5 ft 10 in), the Brazilian is enduring and successfully engages in duels. On average per match, he wins 5–6 physical confrontations, which allows him to actively participate in both creating and finishing attacks.

At Bragantino, John John often performed the duties of a playmaker, taking set pieces and making about 26 accurate passes per game on average. He demonstrated tactical discipline by participating in pressing and defense, which allows him to be used in different positions.

Journalist from Brazilian outlet Bolavip, Mauro Adamoli, wrote: «He demonstrates mastery in ball control and playmaking. He moves between the lines, accelerates the pace when necessary, and uses dribbling as a weapon.»

Adaptation to the Russian championship will be a challenge for John John due to differences in playing style and climatic conditions. However, at Zenit, they hope he will become the new brain of the attack and help the team in the fight for the championship.