Jefinho

Jeferson da Conceição Gonçalves (born 5 October 1989) is a Brazilian Paralympic 5-a-side football player.

Early life

Jefinho was born in 1989 in Candeias, Brazil. He became blind at the age of seven after suffering from glaucoma.

Career

Jefinho has been regarded as one of the best blind football players worldwide. He debuted for the Brazil national blind football team in 2006 at the age of fourteen.

He was selected to play at the Rio Parapan American Games and the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2007 and 2008 respectively where he won gold medals at both events.

At London 2012, Jefinho, or the “Paralympic Pelé” as he is sometimes known, also starred in the final, as Brazil beat France 2-0.

In 2014, Jefinho was one of the best players of the tournament at the 2014 World Championships where Brazil retained its world title with a win over Argentina.

Style of play

Jefinho is known for his speed.

Personal life

Jefinho is nicknamed the "Paralympic Pelé" after Brazil international Pelé.