João Souza, also known as “Feijão,” is a former Brazilian professional tennis player who made headlines for both his skills and his sudden exit from the sport.
Once a top 70 player in the world, his career took a major turn. Fans often wonder about his life after leaving the professional tour.
In this article, you will know João Souza’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
João Souza’s Biography
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | João Olavo Soares de Souza |
| Nickname | Feijão |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1988 |
| Age | 37 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $800,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | $1,302,230 (Prize Money) |
| Former Partner | Sheila Mello |
| Current Job | Owner, Feijão Tênis Clube |
| @feijaosouza |
Early Career
João Souza grew up in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo. His father, Sarcha, played amateur tennis and encouraged João to start the sport at age nine.
João initially played basketball as well because of his height but chose tennis when he turned eleven. He showed great promise as a junior player.
He moved to Rio de Janeiro to train at a higher level. During his teenage years, he competed in many junior tournaments across South America.
His strong serve and aggressive play style helped him stand out early on. He turned professional in 2005 and began playing in Futures and Challenger tournaments to build his ranking.
Professional Career
João Souza reached his peak in the mid-2010s. He climbed the rankings and broke into the top 100 in the world.
In April 2015, he achieved his highest singles ranking of No. 69. That same year, he played a historic Davis Cup match against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer. The match lasted 6 hours and 42 minutes, which stands as the longest singles match in Davis Cup history.
He won titles on the ATP Challenger Tour, including a victory at the Cortina Challenger in 2016. However, his professional playing career ended abruptly in January 2020.
The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) issued him a lifetime ban for match-fixing offenses committed between 2015 and 2019. Since then, he has transitioned to a new role in the tennis world as a club owner and instructor.
Coach
During his professional career, João Souza worked with several coaches. His most notable coach was Ricardo Acioly, a former Brazilian tennis player. Acioly helped him reach his career-high ranking in 2015.
Since his ban from professional tournaments, João Souza has become a coach himself. He opened his own tennis academy called “Feijão Tênis Clube” in his hometown of Mogi das Cruzes.
He now teaches students and manages the club, sharing his knowledge of the game with the next generation.
João Souza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, João Souza has an estimated net worth of around $800,000. This figure comes from his past tournament prize money and his current business ventures.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money (Approx) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,000 |
| 2018 | $110,000 |
| 2017 | $125,000 |
| 2016 | $150,000 |
| 2015 | $350,000 |
| Career Total | $1,302,230 |
Endorsements
João Souza attracted sponsorships from major sporting brands due to his status as one of Brazil’s top tennis players.
His primary apparel and footwear sponsor was Asics, a partnership that aligned with the brand’s broad support of the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) at the time. For his equipment, he used Wilson rackets, a staple choice for many pros on the tour.
These deals were significant during his peak years when he broke into the top 100 rankings. However, following his lifetime ban for match-fixing in 2020, these major corporate endorsements were terminated.
Currently, he does not hold international brand sponsorships but instead promotes his own business ventures. He focuses on building the brand of his academy, Feijão Tênis Clube, often highlighting local partnerships and the facility’s collaboration with Mundo Rio Sporting in Rio de Janeiro.
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Career High Ranking (Singles) | No. 69 (April 6, 2015) |
| Career High Ranking (Doubles) | No. 70 (January 7, 2013) |
| Career Win-Loss (Singles) | 25–48 (ATP Tour level) |
| Challenger Titles | 9 (Singles) |
| Handedness | Right-handed (One-handed backhand) |
FAQs
1. Why did the tennis authorities ban Souza for life?
The Tennis Integrity Unit issued him a lifetime ban in January 2020. Investigators proved he fixed multiple matches and failed to report corrupt approaches during professional tournaments between 2015 and 2019.
2. Is João Souza the same person as João Sousa?
They are two completely different athletes. Souza is the Brazilian player known as “Feijão,” while João Sousa is a successful Portuguese tennis star who retired from the tour.
3. What does Souza currently do for a living?
He now focuses on his business ventures in Brazil. He owns and operates the Feijão Tênis Clube in Mogi das Cruzes, where he actively coaches students and manages the sports facility.
4. Who was Souza’s famous celebrity girlfriend?
He maintained a high-profile relationship with Brazilian dancer Sheila Mello for two years. They shared their life publicly until she announced their official separation and the end of their romance.
5. What historical record does Souza hold in tennis?
He played the longest singles match in Davis Cup history. He battled Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer for six hours and 42 minutes, although he eventually lost the grueling contest.
