Joao Victor, the Brazilian newcomer at CSKA Moscow, is still settling into his new surroundings in Russia, but he has already captivated fans with his charisma and sincerity. Far from being just another talented football signing, he is proving himself to be a man who values the bonds of family as deeply as his professional ambitions. In a rare and heartfelt interview, Victor opened up about the people who matter most to him and the personal traditions that keep him grounded despite the whirlwind of his rising career. He described how the support of his loved ones is the driving force behind everything he does. “I love having my family around even more than anything else. Not just my wife and kids, but also my parents, aunt, uncle, brothers, and sisters.
It’s the best thing in life—having your whole family with you,” he shared, his words carrying a warmth that contrasted with the cold Moscow air. For Victor, family gatherings are not occasional events but essential rituals, moments that bring him comfort, laughter, and perspective.
When he is not on the pitch or spending time with his family, Victor enjoys two simple but meaningful pleasures: preparing traditional Brazilian churrasco and playing poker. For him, these hobbies are not just about relaxation, but about connection and tradition.
Churrasco, the beloved Brazilian style of barbecue, holds a special place in his heart. It reminds him of weekends back home, filled with smoky aromas, lively music, and the comforting sound of family voices mingling. Standing by the grill and cooking for the people he loves is, in his eyes, one of life’s purest joys. In Moscow, he has even begun introducing teammates to the tradition, inviting them to share in the warm, communal spirit of Brazilian gatherings. These small cultural exchanges are helping him build friendships within the CSKA squad and ease the homesickness that inevitably comes with life abroad.
Poker, on the other hand, represents something more personal — a mental challenge and a legacy of sibling influence. “My brother played poker and told me about it. One day, I watched him play with his friends and tried to understand. That’s where my love for poker began,” Victor explained. At first, he was fascinated by the quiet concentration at the table, the subtle tension of each hand. Soon, he began playing himself, learning to read opponents, control emotions, and think several moves ahead. To him, poker is a game of discipline and psychology, qualities that also serve him well in football.
He believes that understanding when to take risks and when to stay patient is as crucial on the field as it is with cards in hand. Poker has become his way of sharpening his mind while enjoying moments of peace away from the intensity of training and competition.Though his football schedule often separates him from home, Victor works hard to maintain that closeness. He frequently calls family members between training sessions and matches, making sure they are part of his journey. His devotion is so deep that he has already planned an extraordinary gesture: bringing all fifteen members of his extended family on a dream trip to Orlando, to visit the magical world of Disneyland. “Next year, our whole family—15 of us—will go to Orlando. I’ll make their dream come true,” he said with a proud smile. This commitment shows a side of professional athletes that is often hidden — the determination to lift up not just themselves, but everyone who stood beside them on the way to the top.
When he is not on the pitch or spending time with his family, Victor enjoys two simple but meaningful pleasures: preparing traditional Brazilian churrasco and playing poker. For him, these hobbies are not just about relaxation, but about connection and tradition. Churrasco, the beloved Brazilian style of barbecue, holds a special place in his heart. It reminds him of weekends back home, filled with smoky aromas, lively music, and the comforting sound of family voices mingling. Standing by the grill and cooking for the people he loves is, in his eyes, one of life’s purest joys.
In Moscow, he has even begun introducing teammates to the tradition, inviting them to share in the warm, communal spirit of Brazilian gatherings. These small cultural exchanges are helping him build friendships within the CSKA squad and ease the homesickness that inevitably comes with life abroad. Poker, on the other hand, represents something more personal — a mental challenge and a legacy of sibling influence. “My brother played poker and told me about it. One day, I watched him play with his friends and tried to understand. That’s where my love for poker began,” Victor explained. At first, he was fascinated by the quiet concentration at the table, the subtle tension of each hand. Soon, he began playing himself, learning to read opponents, control emotions, and think several moves ahead.
