Dantas

João Vitor Silva Dantas de Oliveira (born 25 July 2004), commonly known as Dantas, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or a defensive midfielder for Athletico Paranaense, on loan from Novorizontino.

Career Born in Rio de Janeiro, Dantas played for Barra da Tijuca and Bangu before joining the youth categories of Novorizontino in 2022. Initially on loan, he signed a permanent contract with the club ahead of the 2024 season.

After playing for the under-20 team, Dantas made his first team debut on 3 March 2024, coming on as a late substitute for Waguininho in a 1–1 Campeonato Paulista away draw against Ponte Preta. In the following campaign, after a short period back with the under-20s, he became a first-choice in the main squad.

Dantas scored his first senior goal on 8 September 2025, netting the opener in a 1–1 home draw against Atlético Goianiense. A regular starter, he was loaned to Série A side Athletico Paranaense on 9 July 2026.

Career statistics

Honours Novorizontino 2024

Individual Campeonato Paulista Team of the Year: 2026