Full Name: Sávio Moreira de Oliveira
Date of Birth: 10 April 2004
Place of Birth: São Mateus, Brazil
Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s): Winger
Current Club: Manchester City
Jersey Number: 26
In the quiet, verdant fields of São Mateus, a young boy named Savinho [Sávio Moreira] spent his early years tending to what many wouldn’t think would lead to a football career—farm chores. Life was simple and serene, revolving around the daily routines of rural life.
Little did anyone know that this boy, who found joy in these everyday rhythms, would one day captivate the football world with his electrifying talent on the wings. From the heart of Brazil’s countryside to the gleaming stadiums of Europe, Savinho’s journey is a tale of dreams realised and extraordinary potential fulfilled.
Here Are 11 Captivating Savinho Facts, Charting His Path From Childhood to International Sensation
1. He was born in São Mateus, Espírito Santo
Born on April 10, 2004, in São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Savinho hails from a region known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. The local community, with its strong footballing traditions, played a significant role in nurturing his early talent.
In this picturesque setting, from playing informal matches with friends to participating in local youth leagues, São Mateus served as the foundation for Savinho's journey to becoming a professional footballer and eventually gaining international acclaim.
2. He Joined Atlético Mineiro's youth setup in 2015 at Age 11
At the tender age of 11, Sávio Moreira joined Atlético Mineiro's esteemed youth academy in 2015. His talent and dedication quickly set him apart, leading to his promotion to the senior team just five years later, in 2020.
After making his mark in the Brazilian league, he caught the attention of international scouts and subsequently transferred to the French club Troyes in 2022, a move that marked the beginning of his European adventure.
3. His First Coach Predicted He Would Be A Footballer
Savinho's potential was evident from an early age, with his first coach predicting a bright future for him in football. Recognising his exceptional skill and determination, the coach nurtured his talents and guided him through his formative years.
This early mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Savinho's career, instilling in him the confidence and discipline needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
4. He Learned How to Ride Horses, Milk Cows, and Plant Vegetables
Raised on his grandparents' farm in São Mateus, Savinho's childhood was grounded in the simple, hardworking life of rural Brazil. Here, he learned practical skills such as riding horses, milking cows, and planting vegetables.
These experiences provided a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of perseverance and dedication, qualities that would later define his football career.
5. His Loan Stints at Jong PSV, PSV, and Girona Were Key to His Growth
Savinho's development as a player was significantly enhanced by his loan spells at Jong PSV, PSV, and Girona. These stints provided him with valuable playing time and exposure to different styles of football.
Particularly at Girona, he excelled, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists as he helped the club seal a third-place finish in the La Liga standings and Champions League qualification. These experiences were instrumental in honing his skills and preparing him for the demands of top-tier football.
6. He Made the Most Successful Dribbles in La Liga with 104
During his loan season at Girona, Sávio Moreira showcased his exceptional dribbling ability by completing 104 successful dribbles, the highest in La Liga for that season. This impressive statistic highlighted his technical prowess and ability to navigate through defences, cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in European football.
7. He Represents Brazil Internationally
Savinho's talent has earned him a place on Brazil's national team. Starting from the youth levels, he progressed through the ranks to make his senior debut in 2024. Representing his country on the international stage, He netted his first international goal in a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America group stage, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level and contributing to Brazil's rich footballing legacy.
8. He is the First Player to Rise to the Top of the City Football Group Pyramid
Savinho's career trajectory is notable for his rise through the City Football Group, a global network of football clubs. From his initial transfer to Troyes, part of the City Football Group, to his eventual £33 million move to Manchester City, he became the first player to ascend through the ranks of this unique footballing organization.
9. He Embraced the Nickname 'Savinho'
Savinho, originally Savio Moreira de Oliveira, saw his nickname 'Savinho' become integral to his identity during his time at Girona, where fans gave him the name. This nickname gained further prominence when he was registered as 'Savinho' during his first call-up to the Brazil national team.
Embracing this identity, he continued to use 'Savinho' in subsequent international matches. After joining Man City in July 2024, he retained 'Savinho' on his shirt, ensuring the name remained a significant part of his football journey.
10. He is the Youngest Atlético Mineiro Player, and Scorer in a Libertadores Cup Game
Savio made history with Atlético Mineiro by becoming the youngest player to debut in the league at age 16 and the youngest to score in a Copa Libertadores match. He netted his first professional goal on 19 May 2022, contributing to a 3–1 home victory over Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores. These record-breaking accomplishments at such a young age highlighted his extraordinary talent and potential, paving the way for a bright future in football.
11. He Enjoys Spending Holidays with His Grandparents
Despite his rising fame and demanding career, Savinho remains deeply connected to his roots. He cherishes spending holidays with his grandparents, and returning to the farm where he was raised.
These visits provide him with a sense of grounding and remind him of the values instilled during his upbringing, keeping him humble and focused amidst his professional success.
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