Jota, whose full name is João Pedro Neves Filipe, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest stars at Celtic Football Club. The Portuguese winger’s electric pace, creativity, and flair have made him a fan favorite in Glasgow, with many excited about his potential to make a significant impact on the club’s future. This article will delve into Jota’s early life, his rise through the ranks, his time at Celtic, and what the future holds for him. We’ll also explore his playing style, statistics, and the latest developments in his career.

Early Life and Background

João Pedro Neves Filipe, more commonly known as Jota, was born on March 30, 1999, in Lisbon, Portugal. Growing up in one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses, Jota was naturally drawn to the sport. He joined the youth academy of the renowned Portuguese club Benfica at a young age, where he developed his skills and came through the ranks. As with many young talents in Portugal, Benfica was seen as a stepping stone for future footballing success, and Jota was no exception.

From a very young age, Jota exhibited a flair for attacking football. He was known for his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His technical proficiency with both feet, combined with his sharp footballing brain, made him stand out among his peers. It wasn’t long before his talent started to catch the attention of coaches and scouts, positioning him for a career that would soon see him play at the highest levels of European football.

Early Career at Benfica

Jota’s journey in professional football began at Benfica, where he moved through the club’s academy and into their senior team. He made his first-team debut for Benfica in 2016, but it was not until a few years later that he started to make a real impact. Despite the strong competition for places in the first team at Benfica, Jota’s performances in domestic competitions and European youth tournaments began to make him an appealing option for the club.

During his time at Benfica, Jota spent time on loan at other clubs to gain more playing experience, a typical route for young players trying to develop their skills. His loan stints at several clubs in Portugal and Spain helped him mature as a player and become more consistent. It was during these loan periods that Jota’s ability to perform under pressure began to shine.

His first real breakthrough came during his time at Rio Ave in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Jota enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club, where he impressed with his versatility on the wing and his ability to score goals. His standout performances caught the attention of many top clubs in Europe, and he was soon making headlines as one of the brightest young talents in Portugal.

The Move to Celtic

Jota’s move to Celtic occurred in the summer of 2021. The Portuguese winger joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal from Benfica, with an option for the club to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season. At the time of his signing, Celtic were undergoing a significant rebuilding phase under new manager Ange Postecoglou, who was looking to revitalize the squad after a disappointing season.

From the moment Jota arrived in Glasgow, he became a fan favorite. His electric pace, skillful dribbling, and knack for scoring goals immediately endeared him to the Celtic faithful. His ability to operate on both wings, cutting inside on his stronger right foot or providing width on the left, made him a versatile attacking option for Postecoglou. The dynamic winger’s style fit perfectly with the attacking philosophy that Postecoglou was implementing at Celtic, and Jota quickly made an impact.

Jota’s first competitive match for Celtic came in the Scottish Premiership, where he made an instant impression. His performances on the pitch were electric, and he quickly became a key figure in Celtic’s attacking play. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses and score goals from wide positions added a new dimension to the team’s attack, which had been lacking in previous seasons.

Jota’s Playing Style: A Thrilling Attacker

Jota is a versatile and dynamic attacking player, known for his speed, dribbling ability, and creativity. As a winger, he thrives in one-on-one situations, using his quick feet and close control to beat defenders. His ability to cut inside from the left wing and shoot with his stronger right foot is one of his most dangerous attributes, but he is also capable of delivering pinpoint crosses from wide positions when playing on the right.

A hallmark of Jota’s game is his flair and confidence on the ball. He is not afraid to take on defenders, and his technical ability often sees him glide past opponents with ease. He has a natural ability to read the game and make intelligent runs into dangerous areas, which makes him a constant threat in the final third.

In addition to his dribbling and creativity, Jota has an eye for goal. He is not simply a provider but also a goal-scoring threat. His ability to score from a variety of positions on the pitch, whether it be through powerful shots from distance or well-timed finishes in the box, makes him a valuable asset to any team. His movement off the ball and his understanding of positioning allow him to be in the right place at the right time, which is key to his goal-scoring success.

Breakout Season at Celtic

Jota’s debut season at Celtic in 2021-2022 proved to be a breakthrough year for the young Portuguese winger. His performances were key to Celtic’s successful Scottish Premiership campaign, which saw the club reclaim the title from Rangers after a turbulent season the year before.

One of Jota’s most memorable moments during the season came in the Old Firm Derby against Rangers, where he scored a stunning goal that helped Celtic secure a crucial 3-0 victory. This goal demonstrated his quality, confidence, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. It was the kind of moment that would define his season and endear him to the Celtic supporters.

Over the course of the season, Jota’s statistics reflected his importance to the team. He contributed both goals and assists in a number of key games, becoming one of the team’s most consistent performers. His attacking play was a driving force behind Celtic’s attacking successes, and his partnership with fellow attackers like Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada created one of the most potent offensive units in Scottish football.

By the end of the 2021-2022 season, Celtic had not only reclaimed the Scottish Premiership title but had also won the Scottish League Cup. Jota’s performances throughout the campaign earned him a permanent transfer to Celtic for a reported fee of around £6.5 million, making him one of the club’s most valuable assets.

Jota’s Impact in European Football

In addition to his domestic success, Jota’s performances in European competitions have also been notable. During the 2021-2022 UEFA Europa League campaign, he played an important role in Celtic’s run to the knockout stages. His ability to perform at the highest level against some of Europe’s top clubs showcased his talent on the big stage.

Jota’s skill set has also caught the attention of scouts from some of Europe’s top clubs, and his performances in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions have further established him as one of the top young talents in Europe. His ability to create chances, contribute goals, and impact the game with his dribbling and movement has led to comparisons with some of Europe’s top wingers. Many see him as a potential future star for Portugal’s national team, given his skill set and consistency at the club level.

Jota’s Future at Celtic and Beyond

As of 2024, Jota remains one of the most important players in Celtic’s squad. His technical ability, vision, and versatility make him an essential part of manager Ange Postecoglou’s attacking setup. With Celtic continuing to compete in both domestic and European competitions, Jota’s role in the team will be pivotal to the club’s success moving forward.

Looking ahead, Jota’s future at Celtic appears bright. He is a key figure in the club’s rebuild and will likely be central to Celtic’s ambitions both in Scotland and in European competitions. However, given his talents, it’s possible that he could attract interest from bigger European clubs in the future.

The question on many Celtic fans’ minds is whether Jota will remain at the club for the long term or whether he will eventually make the jump to one of Europe’s top leagues. Regardless of what happens in the future, it’s clear that Jota’s time at Celtic has already had a lasting impact, and he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of football.

Jota’s Legacy at Celtic FC

Jota’s journey from Benfica to Celtic FC has been nothing short of spectacular. The Portuguese winger’s flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most exciting players in Scottish football. His performances have quickly made him a fan favorite, and his importance to Celtic’s recent success cannot be overstated.

As he continues to develop and improve, there’s no doubt that Jota has the potential to become one of the best wingers in Europe. Whether he stays at Celtic for the long haul or moves on to bigger challenges in the future, his time at the club will be remembered as the period when a young talent blossomed into a star. Celtic fans are sure to enjoy watching him continue to make an impact, and Jota’s story is one that will be remembered for years to come.

FAQs

What is Jota’s playing style?

Jota is a highly skilled player with a dynamic playing style. He is known for his dribbling, pace, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. He’s also adept at delivering crosses, scoring goals, and creating chances for his teammates. His flair and creativity make him a standout player on the wing.

How many goals has Jota scored for Celtic?

As of the 2024-2025 season, Jota has scored over 20 goals for Celtic in all competitions since his arrival at the club, establishing himself as a key player in the squad. He has also provided numerous assists and contributed to many of Celtic’s victories.

Has Jota played for the Portugal national team?

As of 2025, Jota has not yet made his debut for the senior Portugal national team. However, he has been involved with Portugal’s youth national teams, including the U-21 squad, and has impressed in club football, earning speculation that he could be called up in the future.

Why is Jota so popular among Celtic fans?

Jota is extremely popular among Celtic fans due to his exciting style of play, his ability to produce moments of magic on the field, and his dedication to the team. He has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his consistent performances and his passion for the game.

Can Jota play in the Champions League for Celtic?

Yes, Jota is eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League for Celtic. He has featured in European competitions for the club, including the group stages of the Champions League, where his performances have further increased his profile.

Is Jota injury-prone?

Jota has had a few injury setbacks during his career, but nothing major that has kept him sidelined for long periods. He has generally been a reliable player for Celtic, although like any footballer, he can be prone to minor injuries that might affect his availability.

In Summary

Jota has quickly become one of Celtic’s most exciting and influential players since joining the club. His flair, dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score goals have made him a fan favorite and a key asset to the team. With his commitment to the club, memorable performances, and potential for further growth, Jota’s future at Celtic looks very promising. As he continues to shine in both domestic and European competitions, fans can look forward to many more thrilling moments from this talented Portuguese winger. Whether it’s his dazzling dribbles, crucial goals, or contributions to Celtic’s successes, Jota is certainly a player to keep an eye on for years to come.

To read more, Click Here .