Happy birthday, Jairo!
PAOK FC wish all the best, good health, happiness and success to Jairo who is celebrating his 24th birthday today.
The Brazilian forward began his football career at the youth ranks of Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas. He came to Europe in 2011 in order to participate in a tournament for AFC Ajax and ended up as MVP.
According to specialists, Jairo was considered among his country’s top 45 prospects at that time, but he was unlucky. He suffered a leg injury and was sidelined for a while, missing out on the opportunity to sign for a European club.
He returned to Botafogo and made a new start in his career through a loan to minnows Madureira Esporte Clube. In January 2014, Slovakian side AS Trenčín –affiliated with AFC Ajax– presented him with the opportunity to return to Europe and prove he could meet high expectations.
Jairo settled well in the Slovakian league and displayed his talent right from the start. He scored on his debut against MŠK Žilina and established himself in AS Trenčín’s starting XI. In 2014-15, the 23-year old was the team’s star player and led them to their first silverware.
AS Trenčín won the domestic double, Jairo contributing 12 league goals and 10 assists. Featuring in all positions of the attack, he netted 14 goals and served 13 assists in a total of 47 encounters, including all competitions.