Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: JoÃ # o Batista da Silva , best known as Batista ( born in Porto Alegre , 8 March 1955 ) is a former Brazilian football ( soccer ) player in defensive midfielder role .
Simplified: JoÃ # o Batista da Silva ( born 8 March , 1955 ) is a former Brazilian football player .