Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, widely recognized as Jorginho, was born on December 20, 1991, in Imbituba, Brazil. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal and the Italian national team. By 2024, Jorginho is 32 years old and wears jersey number 20 for his team. He began his youth football journey with Hellas Verona, where he trained from 2007 to 2010.
Jorginho made his senior debut with Hellas Verona before moving to Napoli in 2014, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s top midfielders. Known for his exceptional passing accuracy, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, he quickly gained recognition. His performances at Napoli led to a high-profile transfer to Chelsea FC in 2018.
During his time at Chelsea, Jorginho won several major trophies, including the UEFA Europa League in 2019 and the UEFA Champions League in 2021. His contributions earned him individual accolades, such as being named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2021. He also played a pivotal role in Italy’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2020, further solidifying his reputation on the international stage.
Jorginho joined Arsenal in January 2023, bringing his experience and skill to the team. Off the pitch, he is known for his philanthropic efforts and passion for cars. His estimated net worth in 2024 is $20 million, with an annual salary of £10 million, placing him among the top earners in the Premier League.
In his personal life, Jorginho maintains a relatively private relationship with his girlfriend, occasionally sharing glimpses on social media. Despite his fame, he remains grounded, focusing on his career and community contributions.
Early Life and Background
Nicknamed Haginho by friends due to his admiration for the Romanian player Gheorghe Hagi, Jorginho left his hometown of Imbituba at fifteen to move to Italy. His Italian heritage stems from his great-grandfather Giacomo Frello, who hailed from Lusiana, Veneto, enabling him to obtain Italian citizenship.
Jorginho faced significant emotional challenges, especially after his parents divorced. Following their separation, the family relocated from Brazil to Italy.
He shared, “My mother was the reason I fell in love with football.” Although he almost quit the sport after being financially exploited by an agent during his time at Verona’s youth academy, a heartfelt conversation with his mother reignited his passion and determination to continue playing.
Influences like Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazario deeply inspired him throughout his journey.
Influence of His Mother
Maria Tereza Freitas, Jorginho’s mother, played a crucial role in his personal and professional life. A former amateur football player, she passed on her love for the game to her son and served as his first coach.
Maria Tereza’s dedication to football was unwavering, as she consistently trained Jorginho during his early years in Brazil. Her impact shaped his career by instilling discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the sport.
Known for her kindness and commitment, Maria Tereza sacrificed everything to support Jorginho’s career, even moving to Italy with him when he was just 15. Jorginho often credits her as his greatest influence, highlighting their unbreakable bond.
Role of His Father
Jorginho’s father had a lesser role in his upbringing compared to his mother. After his parents’ divorce, his mother took on the primary responsibility of raising him. Jorginho has mentioned that his father was not very present during his childhood, leaving Maria Tereza to guide and support him, especially in his football career.
Despite the limited involvement of his father, Jorginho has credited his upbringing to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of his mother. She played a pivotal role in nurturing his passion for football, often taking him to training sessions and encouraging his ambitions. Jorginho’s mother was also instrumental in his move to Italy at a young age, ensuring he could pursue better opportunities to develop his skills.
While the relationship with his father was distant, Jorginho has expressed gratitude for the lessons he learned through his challenging early life. He has stated that these experiences shaped his resilience and determination to succeed in football and life.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jorginho is in a relationship with Catherine Harding, also known as Cat Cavelli, a British singer-songwriter. Known for her vibrant personality and soulful voice, Catherine gained fame in the music industry and appeared on The Voice UK. She frequently shares glimpses of her music and family life on social media.
The couple met through a dating app and now share two children. They plan to marry in 2025.
Previously, Jorginho was married to Natalia Leteri. The marriage ended in 2020 after eight years, and they have two children together: Vitor, their eldest son, and a daughter.
Catherine has embraced her role as a stepmother, stating, “I always wanted a bigger family, but now I feel complete with my boy, my girl, and my wonderful stepchildren.”
Jorginho Club Career
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Jorginho has been part of Arsenal since joining the team in 2023.
At the age of 15, Jorginho left Brazil to pursue his football career in Italy. He began his journey at the Hellas Verona youth academy and made his senior debut in 2011. His exceptional performances contributed to the team’s promotion to Serie A. In 2014, he joined Napoli, where he thrived under Maurizio Sarri’s management, gaining recognition for his tactical insight, vision, and precise passing.
During his time with Napoli, Jorginho won both the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia. His success led to a high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2018, reuniting with Sarri. At Chelsea, he became a cornerstone of the midfield, playing a critical role in their UEFA Europa League win in 2019 and UEFA Champions League triumph in 2021. Additionally, he claimed the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with the club.
As a distinguished Premier League midfielder known for his strategic play and leadership, Jorginho joined Arsenal in 2023, continuing his impressive career.
Jorginho’s International Career
Although born in Brazil, Jorginho represents Italy at the international level due to his Italian heritage. He made his debut for Italy’s national team in 2016. Renowned for his composure and ability to dictate play, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the midfield.
His standout moment on the international stage came during UEFA Euro 2020, where he played a crucial role in Italy’s success. Jorginho’s precise passing and game control earned widespread praise throughout the tournament. Notably, he scored the decisive penalty in the semifinal shootout against Spain. Italy eventually defeated England in the final, solidifying Jorginho’s reputation as one of the world’s finest midfielders.
Despite Italy’s disappointing outcome at the 2022 World Cup, Jorginho remains a vital player, offering leadership and experience to the squad’s ongoing endeavors.
Jorginho’s Playing Style
Known as a deep-lying playmaker, Jorginho excels in controlling the tempo of matches through his tactical intelligence and precise passing. His ability to orchestrate the game from midfield makes him invaluable, while his defensive contributions, such as intercepting passes and breaking up plays, add further depth to his role. His leadership and calmness under pressure enhance his effectiveness as a central figure in any team.
Jorginho’s Personal Life
Jorginho Earnings
As of 2024, Jorginho earns an estimated £10 million annually at Arsenal. This figure, which can vary based on bonuses and sponsorships, highlights his value and contribution as a key midfielder in the Premier League.
What Zodiac Sign is Jorginho?
