This article delves into the complete life story of Italian midfielder Jorginho, taking you through the significant milestones from his childhood to his rise to fame. It offers a detailed look at his journey before becoming a football star, exploring his family background, early life, relationships, and lesser-known facts off the pitch.
Family, Football, and Fame: The Journey of Jorginho.
While many recognize Jorginho, back in the day, as Maurizio Sarri’s trusted lieutenant, few are familiar with the deeper aspects of his life story, which is both captivating and inspiring.
From his humble beginnings to his rise as a celebrated footballer, this article will unveil all the hidden chapters of his life, offering a glimpse into the man behind the footballer. Now, without further delay, let’s dive into the fascinating biography of Jorginho.
Jorginho Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To begin his biography, Jorginho’s full name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho. He was born on December 20, year 1991, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, to his mother, Maria Tereza (a former amateur footballer), and a father whose identity remains relatively unknown.
Meet one of Jorginho’s Parents – his beloved mother.
Declaration Before His Birth:
Before Jorginho was born, his mother Maria promised herself that if she gave birth to a boy, she would do anything to ensure the baby became a professional footballer.
Those words came out of pain and bitterness for Maria, who herself had an unfulfilled football career that ended at an amateur level. Behold, all things went equal. She gave birth to the Jorginho we know today.
Growing Up:
Jorginho grew up in the coastal town of Imbituba, in southern Brazil, with his parents. His father, who was quite strict, had a significant influence on his upbringing. When Jorginho was just six years old, his parents faced frequent marital problems, which eventually led to their divorce.
Young Jorginho’s formative years in Imbituba were shadowed by familial challenges.
At one point, Jorginho’s father left the family, leaving young Jorginho and his mother to fend for themselves with very limited financial resources. The emotional pain of their separation was profound, and anyone who has experienced a parental breakup can understand the deep hurt it caused.
Young Jorginho faced the profound pain of a family fracture, with his father’s departure leaving him and his mother to navigate hardships together.
For Little Jorginho, seeing his parents’ divorce had on him some damaging psychological consequences, which he had endured throughout the latter part of his youthful life.
Relocating and Career Start:
After the divorce, Jorginho’s mother sought support from her parents in Italy. They encouraged her to move from Brazil to Italy with her son. In 1997, at the age of six, Jorginho and his mother relocated to Verona in northern Italy.
In Italy, Jorginho’s mother found work as a cleaner to provide for her family. She worked long hours to put food on the table and earn enough money. As part of her efforts to fulfil her promise to her son, she used some of her earnings to buy Jorginho his first football, which he received as soon as he learned to walk.
As a kid, Jorginho loved no other activity than playing with his soccer ball.
As Jorginho once shared:
“When I was younger, there were no toys or games—just a football. The emptiness I felt from my father’s absence was filled whenever I had a football at my feet.”
In a bid to start executing career plans for her son, Jorginho’s mother bought her son boots and other football accessories. This further ignited his football passion, thus leading him to enrol on the roster of a local youth team (pictured below) which gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent.
The early bright years of Jorginho.
Jorginho Biography – Motherly Training:
The Italian sees his mum as the only person on earth who is worth as much as one hundred outstanding coaches.
As a kid, Jorginho leaned on his mother’s football managerial techniques even more than his trainers.
He would not have become a footballer without her, who infected not just him but his friends (pictured below) with a love for the game.
Back then, Maria Tereza Freitas made beach training sessions mandatory for her son Jorginho, who likes to be accompanied by friends.
A rare photo of young Jorginho, his Mum and friends at the beachside.
The Football Project:
Jorginho’s life changed a few years later as he became popular among fans who knew much about his mum’s impact on his early career. Despite that, he waited for the right time, which finally came. The much anticipated day finally came when a group of Italian football-loving businessmen decided to create a football project that was aimed at promoting youth football in Northern Italy.
The businessmen invested ridiculous sums in establishing a soccer school located 180 km from the home of Jorginho. Jorginho’s mother convinced her son to enrol so he could have a better chance in Europe. Here, the young Baller is pictured alongside 50 other boys who got separated from their families as they were selected to be part of the football project.
At the age of 13, he received his first weekly wage in football, which he celebrated with his mum. Both Jorginho and his mother, pictured below, celebrated his first youth contract, where he earned just €18 a week.
Jorginho used most part of his €18 a week money to stay in touch with his mum as he went back to his training school.
Back then, his youth club was very far away from his home. For Jorginho, the memory of having to move 180 kilometres away from his mum still upsets him today. In a recent interview, he said;
“If I talk about it, I feel a lump in my throat. Out of €18, I used five euros for mobile credit which was used to talk to my family. It was like that for a year-and-a-half.
Intensifying Beach Training with Mum:
As Jorginho was finalizing his youth career, he went home upon the invitation by his mum to undergo rigorous one on one pieces of training in Brazilian Beach. This was aimed at preparing him for contract offers from big clubs.
Road to Fame:
Jorginho quickly earned a youth contract with Hellas Verona, where the club ensured he had basic accommodations and meals. He wasted no time making an impact, displaying impressive form on the field. Known for his humility, Jorginho managed the spotlight with the same grace and control that defined his style of play.
After spending a year on loan with AC Sambonifacese, Jorginho returned to Hellas Verona as a transformed player. His leadership helped guide the team to a Serie A promotion, catching the attention of Napoli. Soon after, he signed with the club under the management of Rafael Benítez, marking a significant step in his career.
Rise to Fame Success Story:
At Napoli, Jorginho did not really shine until a year and a half later all thanks to one man named Maurizio Sarri, who assumed duty at the club and woke up the monster in the boy. At that time, Chelsea boasts of players like Eden Hazard and N’golo Kante.
How His Form was discovered By Sarri: Already after his first training with him, Maurizio Sarri discovered Jorginho to be a technical player who could think faster than anyone else in the team.
According to Maurizio Sarri;
I saw a central helper. Someone with rare, intelligence and spatial vision. Jorginho has something special. He sees more than others.
In the summer of 2018, Maurizio Sarri left Napoli for Chelsea.
Shockingly, Jorginho also agreed on a transfer to reunite with his former coach, Maurizio Sarri, after being employed as Chelsea manager in the summer of 2018.
Below is a photo of both friends.
Today, Jorginho’s mother, Maria, is filled with immense joy, having fulfilled the promises she once made to herself. Watching her son excel in the Premier League brings her to tears of happiness. The journey that led to this moment is one she cherishes deeply, and the rest, as they say of the Ballon d’Or Third-place finalist, is history.
About Jorginho’s Wife – Natalia Luiz Frello Filho Cavaliere OMRI:
As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman, and this is certainly true for Jorginho. The Arsenal and Chelsea Legend found love and unwavering support in his glamorous girlfriend, Natalia, who eventually became his wife. Alongside his mother’s enduring influence, Natalia has been a constant presence in his life, sharing in his journey to success.
Together, Jorginho and Natalia are blessed with a son named Vitor. His calm and easygoing nature has brought immense joy to their lives, making parenting a smooth and enjoyable experience for the couple. Vitor’s presence has only deepened their happiness as a family.
As shown in the photo below, Jorginho’s life off the pitch helps complete the picture of who he truly is. He is a devoted family man who places his wife and children at the centre of his world, always prioritizing their well-being.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read Jorginho’s Biography and Untold Childhood Story. We aim to provide accurate and fair accounts in our effort to share Italian football stories. In addition to Jorginho’s biography, we have other related childhood stories for you to enjoy, including those of Emerson Palmieri and Nicolò Barella. If you notice any inaccuracies in this article, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to us!
