Jorginho
Italian footballer.
Jorginho, full name Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, is an Italian-Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Arsenal FC in the English Premier League. Born on December 20, 1991, in Imbituba, Brazil, Jorginho moved to Italy at a young age, where he began his professional career. He made his breakthrough in Italian football with Hellas Verona before transferring to Napoli in 2014, where he developed into one of Serie A’s most consistent and technically gifted midfielders.
At Napoli, Jorginho's playmaking abilities and tactical intelligence flourished under manager Maurizio Sarri, leading to a move to Chelsea FC in 2018 when Sarri took over the London club. At Chelsea, Jorginho quickly became a pivotal player, known for his precise passing, exceptional vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game from his deep-lying midfield position. His proficiency in taking penalties and his composure under pressure have been hallmarks of his style.
Jorginho's performances have been integral to Chelsea's success, helping the club secure the UEFA Europa League in 2019 and the UEFA Champions League in 2021. His contributions have also been crucial for the Italian national team, where he played a significant role in Italy's victorious UEFA Euro 2020 campaign.
In January 2023, Jorginho transferred to Arsenal FC, bringing his experience and midfield mastery to Mikel Arteta’s squad. With Arsenal, he continues to demonstrate his tactical acumen and leadership on the field, contributing to the team's ambitions in domestic and European competitions. Jorginho remains a key figure in modern football, celebrated for his skill, consistency, and strategic mind.
Before football & youth career
Jorginho, whose full name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, was born on December 20, 1991, in Imbituba, a small coastal town in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Raised in a modest environment, Jorginho showed an early passion for football. His love for the game was evident from a young age, and he often played barefoot on the beaches and streets of his hometown.
At the age of 15, Jorginho moved to Italy to join the youth academy of Hellas Verona, thanks to his Italian ancestry, which allowed him to obtain Italian citizenship. The transition to a new country and culture was challenging, but Jorginho's determination and talent helped him adapt quickly. In Verona's youth system, he honed his skills and developed the technical and tactical aspects of his game, which would later define his style of play. His dedication and hard work paid off as he progressed through the ranks, eventually making his professional debut with Hellas Verona in 2010. This move marked the beginning of his professional career in European football.
Start of his career
In the 2010/11 season, Jorginho played a pivotal role for Hellas Verona in Serie B. As a young central midfielder, he demonstrated his impressive vision and passing ability. Jorginho's performances were instrumental in helping Verona secure promotion to Serie A. His skillful playmaking and defensive contributions made him a key figure in the team, showcasing his potential and catching the attention of scouts. This season was a crucial stepping stone in his career, setting the stage for his future success in top European leagues and eventually leading to his pivotal role at Napoli and later Chelsea.
During the 2011/2012 season, Jorginho played for Hellas Verona in Lega Pro Prima Divisione, Italy's third tier of professional football. This season was pivotal in his early career as he began to establish himself as a key player for the club.
Jorginho made 31 appearances in the league, scoring 1 goal. His role as a deep-lying playmaker was evident as he contributed significantly to the team's midfield dynamics. His performances were characterized by his excellent passing ability, vision, and composure on the ball, which helped Verona control the tempo of games.
In addition to his league appearances, Jorginho also played in the promotion playoffs, helping Hellas Verona secure promotion to Serie B. His contributions were crucial in the playoffs, where his tactical intelligence and ball distribution were on full display.
Throughout the season, Jorginho demonstrated his potential and laid the groundwork for his future success. His ability to maintain possession and orchestrate play from deep positions made him an indispensable part of the team. This season was a significant step in Jorginho's development, setting the stage for his rise through the ranks of Italian football.
During the 2012/2013 season, Jorginho played for Hellas Verona in Serie B, Italy's second tier of professional football. This season was a crucial one for both Jorginho and the club, as it marked their successful campaign for promotion to Serie A.
Jorginho featured prominently in Hellas Verona's midfield, making 41 appearances in Serie B, of which 40 were starts. He played a total of 3,578 minutes throughout the season, demonstrating his importance to the team and his durability as a player.
In terms of offensive contributions, Jorginho scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists during the league campaign. While these numbers might seem modest, they reflect his role as a deep-lying playmaker rather than an attacking midfielder.
Disciplinary-wise, Jorginho received 4 yellow cards and 1 red card throughout the season, indicating his involvement in the physical aspects of the game.
Hellas Verona finished the season in second place in Serie B, securing automatic promotion to Serie A. Jorginho's consistent performances and his ability to control the tempo of the game from midfield were crucial factors in the team's success.
This season was particularly significant for Jorginho's development, as it set
During the 2013/2014 season, Jorginho played for two clubs in Italy: Hellas Verona and Napoli. He began the season with Hellas Verona in Serie A, where he made a significant impact in the first half of the campaign. His performances for Verona caught the attention of larger clubs, leading to a mid-season transfer.
In January 2014, Jorginho moved to Napoli in a co-ownership deal. At Napoli, he quickly established himself as a key player in the midfield. Across both clubs, Jorginho made a total of 33 appearances in Serie A, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists. His consistent performances helped Napoli secure third place in the league, qualifying for the Champions League.
One of the highlights of Jorginho's season was his contribution to Napoli's Coppa Italia victory. He played a crucial role in the team's cup run, which culminated in winning the trophy. This marked Jorginho's first major silverware in Italian football.
Throughout the season, Jorginho showcased his trademark skills as a deep-lying playmaker, demonstrating excellent passing ability, tactical awareness, and composure on the ball. His successful adaptation to Serie A football and his instrumental role in Napoli's midfield laid the foundation for his future success in Italian and European football.
Becoming a regular starter
The 2014/15 season was Jorginho's first full season at Napoli, having joined the club in January 2014. He made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists.
In Serie A, Jorginho featured in 35 matches as Napoli finished fifth under Rafael Benítez. While his role wasn't as defined as it would become under Sarri in later seasons, Jorginho began to show glimpses of his potential as a deep-lying playmaker.
Jorginho also played a part in Napoli's Europa League campaign, featuring in 5 matches as the team reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. This European experience was valuable for the young midfielder's development.
This season saw Jorginho adapting to the demands of Serie A after his move from Hellas Verona. His passing ability was already evident, completing 1805 passes in the league with an 88.3% success rate.
While not yet the influential figure he would become, this season was important for Jorginho's integration into the Napoli squad and his adaptation to top-flight Italian football. It laid the groundwork for his significant improvement in subsequent seasons under Sarri's guidance.
The 2015/16 season saw Jorginho firmly establish himself as a regular starter for Napoli under Maurizio Sarri, who had just taken over as manager. Jorginho made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists.
In Serie A, Jorginho played 28 matches as Napoli finished second, their highest league position since the 1989/90 season. His role as the team's regista became increasingly important, with Sarri's possession-based style relying heavily on Jorginho's ability to control the game from deep midfield.
Jorginho's passing ability was particularly noteworthy this season. He completed 2053 passes in Serie A, the third-highest in the league, with an impressive pass completion rate of 89.3%. His tactical understanding and ability to break opposition lines with his passing became key features of Napoli's play.
In the Europa League, Jorginho featured in 8 matches as Napoli reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Villarreal. His performances in Europe further showcased his ability to perform against varied opposition.
This season was crucial in Jorginho's development, as he adapted to and thrived in Sarri's system, setting the stage for his rise to prominence in subsequent seasons.
The 2016/17 season was a significant one for Jorginho at Napoli, as he further established himself as a key player in Maurizio Sarri's system. He made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists.
In Serie A, Jorginho featured in 27 matches, helping Napoli secure a third-place finish. His role as the team's deep-lying playmaker was crucial to Sarri's possession-based style. Jorginho's ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his precise passing were central to Napoli's attacking play.
Jorginho also played a significant role in Napoli's Champions League campaign. The team reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by eventual champions Real Madrid. His performances against top European opposition further enhanced his reputation.
This season saw Jorginho's passing ability reach new heights. He completed 2749 passes in Serie A, the most in the league, with a pass completion rate of 89.5%. His tactical intelligence and ability to read the game continued to improve, making him an invaluable asset to Napoli's midfield.
Despite not winning any trophies, this season was crucial in Jorginho's development, as he refined his skills and became increasingly influential in Sarri's system.
The 2017/18 season was Jorginho's final campaign with Napoli before his move to Chelsea. It was arguably his best season in Italy, as he played a pivotal role in Napoli's impressive Serie A campaign under Maurizio Sarri. Jorginho made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists.
In Serie A, Jorginho was an ever-present figure, playing in 33 matches as Napoli pushed Juventus close for the title, ultimately finishing second with 91 points. His ability to dictate play from deep was crucial to Napoli's attractive, possession-based style. Jorginho completed a staggering 2860 passes in Serie A, the most in the league and a record at the time.
Jorginho also featured in Napoli's Champions League campaign, playing in all six group stage matches. Although Napoli were eliminated and dropped into the Europa League, Jorginho's performances against top European opposition further enhanced his reputation.
His excellent form throughout the season attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. Jorginho's understanding of Sarri's tactical system and his ability to implement it on the field made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the transfer market.
The season ended with Jorginho being named in the Serie A Team of the Year, a fitting recognition of his influential performances for Napoli.
Growing importance at his club
The 2018/19 season marked Jorginho's first at Chelsea following his move from Napoli. He arrived alongside manager Maurizio Sarri, who had been instrumental in his development at Napoli. Jorginho immediately became a central figure in Chelsea's midfield, playing 54 matches across all competitions and scoring 2 goals.
In the Premier League, Jorginho made 37 appearances, completing a remarkable 3118 passes - the most in the league. His role as the team's midfield regista was crucial to implementing Sarri's possession-based "Sarri-ball" style of play. However, his performances divided opinion among fans and pundits, with some criticizing his lack of defensive contribution and apparent one-dimensional passing.
Jorginho played a key role in Chelsea's Europa League triumph, featuring in 15 matches as the team went on to win the competition, beating Arsenal 4-1 in the final. He also helped Chelsea reach the EFL Cup final, where they lost to Manchester City on penalties.
Despite the mixed reception from fans, Jorginho's importance to the team was evident. He finished third in passes completed in Europe's top five leagues, behind only Marco Verratti and Toni Kroos. The season ended on a high note with Chelsea finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.
The 2019/20 season was Jorginho's second at Chelsea and saw him continue as a key figure in the midfield. Under new manager Frank Lampard, Jorginho played 44 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists. His role as the team's deep-lying playmaker remained crucial, with his ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively being central to Chelsea's style of play.
In the Premier League, Jorginho made 31 appearances, scoring 4 goals - all from penalties, showcasing his reliability from the spot. His passing ability was evident as he completed 2332 passes in the league, the third-highest in the competition.
Jorginho also featured prominently in Chelsea's Champions League campaign, playing in all 8 of their matches as they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Bayern Munich. Despite some criticism early in the season, Jorginho's importance to the team grew, and he was often given the captain's armband in the absence of César Azpilicueta.
The season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a three-month break between March and June. Upon resumption, Jorginho helped Chelsea secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, ensuring Champions League qualification for the following season.
The 2020/21 season was a transformative one for Jorginho at Chelsea. He began the season under Frank Lampard but saw his role change significantly after Thomas Tuchel took over as manager in January 2021. Jorginho made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals (all penalties) and providing 2 assists.
In the Premier League, Jorginho played 28 matches, helping Chelsea secure a fourth-place finish. His ability to control the tempo of the game and his tactical intelligence were crucial in Tuchel's system, which often utilized a double pivot in midfield.
The highlight of Jorginho's season came in the Champions League. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea's triumphant campaign, featuring in 12 matches as the team went on to win the trophy. His performance in the semi-final against Real Madrid was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level.
Jorginho's importance to the team was reflected in his selection as Chelsea's vice-captain. His penalty-taking ability remained a valuable asset, with his calm and precise technique often proving decisive.
The season ended on a high note with Chelsea's Champions League victory, cementing Jorginho's status as one of Europe's top midfielders and setting the stage for individual accolades to follow.
The 2021/22 season saw Jorginho reach new heights both for club and country. At Chelsea, he made 47 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals (all penalties) and providing 3 assists. His consistent performances were crucial in Chelsea's campaigns across multiple fronts.
In the Premier League, Jorginho played 29 matches, helping Chelsea secure a third-place finish. His role in Thomas Tuchel's system remained pivotal, with his ability to control the game from deep midfield being a key factor in Chelsea's play.
Jorginho played a significant role in Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup triumph, featuring in both matches as Chelsea won the trophy for the first time in their history. He also helped the team reach the finals of both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, though Chelsea lost both to Liverpool on penalties.
On the international stage, Jorginho's year was exceptional. He played a crucial role in Italy's Euro 2020 victory (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), starting every game and scoring the decisive penalty in the semi-final shootout against Spain.
His performances throughout the year earned him significant individual recognition. He finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting and was named UEFA Men's Player of the Year, capping off a remarkable season for the midfielder.
Peak of his career
The 2022/23 season proved to be a challenging one for both Jorginho and Chelsea. He made 25 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions in the first half of the season, scoring 3 goals (all penalties) and providing 1 assist. However, Chelsea's form was inconsistent, leading to the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel early in the season.
Under new manager Graham Potter, Jorginho's playing time became more limited. This, combined with his contract situation (it was set to expire at the end of the season), led to speculation about his future at the club.
In January 2023, Jorginho made a surprise move to Arsenal for a reported £12 million. At Arsenal, he played 16 matches in the second half of the season, helping the team in their Premier League title challenge. Although Arsenal ultimately finished second, Jorginho's experience and composure in midfield were valuable assets for Mikel Arteta's side.
In the Champions League, Jorginho represented both Chelsea and Arsenal, playing in the group stages for Chelsea and in the round of 16 for Arsenal.
Despite the mid-season change and the challenges at Chelsea, Jorginho showcased his adaptability and professionalism. His move to Arsenal provided him with a fresh challenge and the opportunity to continue competing at the highest level in English football.
During the 2023/2024 season, Jorginho played a significant role for Arsenal F.C. across multiple competitions. The Italian midfielder, known for his precise passing and tactical intelligence, made a total of 36 appearances throughout the season, contributing one goal and two assists.
In the Premier League, Jorginho featured in 24 matches, accumulating 914 minutes of play. Despite not scoring any goals in the league, his presence in the midfield was crucial for maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game. His performances were marked by consistent ball distribution and defensive contributions, earning him a respectable average match rating.
Jorginho's impact was more pronounced in the UEFA Champions League, where he played nine matches and scored one goal. His standout performances included a full 90-minute display in a 6-0 victory against Lens and another solid 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. His goal came during the group stage, highlighting his ability to step up in crucial moments.
In domestic cup competitions, Jorginho made two appearances in the EFL Cup and one in the FA Cup. Although he didn't score or assist in these matches, his experience and leadership were valuable assets to the team.
Notably, Jorginho also captained Arsenal for the first time during this season, showcasing his leadership qualities and earning the trust of the coaching staff and teammates alike. Overall, Jorginho's 2023/2024 season with Arsenal was marked by consistent performances, leadership, and a pivotal role in the club's midfield dynamics
Start of his international career
Jorginho's youth international career is primarily associated with his move to Italy and subsequent development in the Italian football system. Although born in Brazil, his footballing talents were nurtured in Italy after he joined Hellas Verona's youth academy at 15. Jorginho's progression through the ranks at Verona highlighted his adaptability and technical prowess, which drew the attention of Italian football authorities. Despite his Brazilian heritage, he never represented Brazil at the youth level, focusing instead on his career in Italy.
While Jorginho did not feature for Italy's youth national teams, his consistent performances in the Italian leagues eventually led to his naturalization as an Italian citizen, paving the way for his senior international career. His unique journey from Brazilian roots to becoming a key player in Italian football underscores the diverse pathways through which international footballers can develop and achieve success on the global stage.
Full international
Jorginho's senior international career with Italy has been marked by significant achievements and a pivotal role in the team's midfield. Born in Brazil, Jorginho chose to represent Italy at the international level due to his Italian heritage.
Jorginho made his senior debut for Italy on March 24, 2016, in a friendly match against Spain. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Italian national team, earning 57 caps and scoring 5 goals as of 2024.
One of the highlights of Jorginho's international career came during the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). He played a crucial role in Italy's successful campaign, which culminated in their victory over England in the final. Throughout the tournament, Jorginho started in all seven of Italy's matches, playing a total of 705 minutes. His performances were instrumental in Italy's midfield control and possession-based style of play.
In the Euro 2020 tournament, Jorginho showcased his skills as a deep-lying playmaker. He completed 497 passes with an impressive accuracy rate of 93.2%, demonstrating his ability to dictate the tempo of the game and maintain possession under pressure. His defensive contributions were also noteworthy, with 25 ball recoveries and 8 interceptions throughout the tournament.
Jorginho's penalty-taking ability has been a significant asset for Italy. He is known for his distinctive hop-skip technique, which has proven effective in high-pressure situations. However, he also experienced some crucial misses, including in the Euro 2020 final shootout against England (although Italy still won) and in World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland.
In the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, Jorginho continued to be a key player for Italy. He featured in several matches, including a full 90-minute performance against Croatia where he earned a rating of 6.8.
Jorginho's style of play, characterized by his excellent passing range, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the game's rhythm, has made him a vital component of Italy's midfield. His role as a regista (deep-lying playmaker) allows him to act as a link between defense and attack, often setting the tempo for the entire team.
Despite facing criticism at times, particularly for his perceived lack of pace, Jorginho's contributions to the Italian national team have been significant. His experience at the highest level of club football, combined with his technical skills and tactical understanding, have made him an invaluable asset to the Azzurri.
Style of player
Jorginho is renowned for his role as a "regista" or deep-lying playmaker, a position that emphasizes his tactical intelligence and technical proficiency. Operating primarily from a deep midfield position, he dictates the tempo of the game through precise passing and strategic ball distribution. His ability to switch play, make long passes, and maintain possession under pressure is central to his team's control of the game.
Jorginho's defensive contributions are characterized by his exceptional game reading and positioning rather than physicality or speed. He excels in regaining possession and provides a calming influence with his composure on the ball. His tactical nous allows him to choose the right moments to press or drop back, often acting as an auxiliary central defender when needed.
Despite criticisms regarding his mobility, Jorginho's vision and passing accuracy make him a vital playmaker, capable of setting the tempo and creating opportunities from deep positions.