Clube Náutico Capibaribe
Born in Olinda, Pernambuco, João Victor played in his country with Clube Náutico Capibaribe, Associação Desportiva São Caetano and Treze Futebol Clube, helping the first club promote to Série A in 2006. In 2009, he joined compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari at Uzbekistan's FC Bunyodkor.