Jacinto João

Infobox Football biography
playername = JJ


fullname = Jacinto João
dateofbirth = January 25, 1944
cityofbirth = Luanda
countryofbirth = Angola, Portuguese empire
dateofdeath = October 29 2004
cityofdeath = Setúbal
countryofdeath = Portugal
height =
nickname =
position = Midfielder
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years =
clubs = Vitória de Setúbal
caps(goals) = - (-)
nationalyears = 1968-1974
nationalteam = Portugal
nationalcaps(goals) = 10 (2)

Jacinto João, also known as J. J. (January 25, 1944, Luanda – October 29 2004, Setúbal) was one of the greatest Portuguese football players of his time. Fast attack/midfield winger, playing on the left side of the pitch, J.J. enchanted the crowds in Portugal with his fantastic plays.

Portugal had then so many great attack players, that Jacinto João just had 10 caps for the Portuguese national team, with two goals scored. His debut was at 27 October 1968, in a 3-0 win over Romania, for the World Cup qualifyings, were he went to substitute António Simões, and did a goal. He missed the team that played at the Independence Brazil Cup, in 1972. His last game for Portuguese national team, was at 3 April 1974, in a 0-0 tie with England, in Lisbon, in a friendly match. He played 14 seasons in Vitória de Setúbal, scoring 66 goals in 268 games. The best result of his career was the 2nd place at the National Championship, in 1971/72. He was one of the few great Portuguese football players of his generation, that never played for Benfica, Sporting Lisbon or Porto. After retiring from activity he remained working in his club's Technical Staff until the last day of his life, terminated by a fourth and fatal heart attack.

Vitória de Setúbal erected a statue in his homage.

Jacinto João's birthday was the same of his contemporary football legend Eusébio, January 25.