Overview
Newerton Martins da Silva, known simply as Newerton, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on June 3, 2005, in Palmares, Brazil. Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder, Newerton has garnered attention for his technical proficiency and playmaking abilities. Standing at 1.67 meters, his stature belies a robust playing style characterized by agility and close control. He represents Brazil internationally at youth levels and is currently a part of the squad at Shakhtar Donetsk, having made a notable move to European football early in his career.
Position
Newerton's primary role is that of an attacking midfielder, often deployed centrally behind the striker or as an inverted winger cutting in from either flank. His versatility allows him to influence play across the attacking third, contributing with passes, dribbles, and goal attempts. While his natural inclination is to drive forward and create, he also participates in defensive transitions, demonstrating a growing understanding of tactical requirements in modern football.
Identity
Newerton's footballing identity is rooted in his Brazilian heritage, showcasing flair and technical skill. He is often described as a 'creative spark' or a 'trequartista' due to his ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes and individual brilliance. His relatively low center of gravity combined with quick feet makes him a difficult player to dispossess in tight spaces, enabling him to navigate congested midfields and launch attacks. His development trajectory suggests a player with the potential to become a key playmaker for both club and country.
Career path
Newerton's journey in professional football began in Brazil, where he developed through the youth ranks before making the leap to European football.
São Paulo FC
Newerton started his youth career at São Paulo FC, one of Brazil's most renowned academies known for producing top talents. He progressed through various age groups, honing his skills as an attacking midfielder. During his time in São Paulo's academy, he participated in numerous youth tournaments, gaining experience and attracting attention from scouts across Europe. His performances in youth competitions were instrumental in his early recognition as a promising prospect, particularly his ability to dictate play and contribute goals from midfield positions.
Shakhtar Donetsk
In the summer of 2023, Newerton made a significant move to European football, joining Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. This transfer marked a crucial step in his career, transitioning from South American youth football to the demands of a European professional environment. According to Transfermarkt, Newerton joined Shakhtar Donetsk on July 21, 2023. His arrival at Shakhtar Donetsk was part of the club's strategy to integrate young, talented players into their squad, continuing their tradition of developing Brazilian footballers. Since his move, Newerton has been gradually integrated into the first-team setup, making appearances in domestic competitions and gaining exposure to European club football.
Playing style
Newerton's playing style is characterized by a blend of Brazilian flair and tactical intelligence, making him an effective attacking midfielder. His attributes align with modern playmakers who can operate in various advanced roles.
Technical Attributes
- Dribbling and Ball Control: Newerton possesses exceptional close control and dribbling ability. His low center of gravity and quick changes of direction allow him to evade defenders in tight spaces, often drawing fouls or creating space for teammates. This attribute is evident in his ability to carry the ball through congested midfields, maintaining possession under pressure.
- Passing and Vision: As an attacking midfielder, Newerton exhibits good vision and an ability to execute intricate passes. He is adept at playing through balls to split defenses and linking up with forwards. While detailed statistics on his passing accuracy are still developing, his on-field decision-making suggests a player capable of orchestrating attacks.
- Creativity: His primary strength lies in his creativity. Newerton has a knack for producing moments of individual brilliance, whether through a precise pass, a mazy dribble, or an unexpected shot. He constantly looks to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
- Agility and Pace: While not a blistering sprinter, Newerton's agility and acceleration over short distances are notable. This allows him to burst past defenders and find pockets of space in the final third. His quick feet are crucial for his dribbling and ability to turn away from markers.
Comparatively, Newerton shares some stylistic traits with other smaller, technically gifted Brazilian attacking midfielders. His ability to link play and create reminds some of early Philippe Coutinho, particularly in his willingness to take on defenders and attempt ambitious passes. His development will likely see him refine these attributes further, becoming a more consistent threat in terms of goal contributions and assist numbers.
Achievements & honours
As a young player, Newerton's senior career is still in its nascent stages, but he has already begun to accumulate experiences and accolades at the youth level and early in his professional tenure.
His time in the youth system of São Paulo FC provided a foundation for competitive success, participating in and often excelling in various national and international youth tournaments. These experiences are crucial for developing a winning mentality and gaining exposure to high-pressure situations.
Upon joining Shakhtar Donetsk, Newerton has been integrated into a club that consistently competes for domestic honours in Ukraine. While specific senior trophies directly attributed to his direct contribution are yet to be fully established given his recent arrival, his involvement in the squad represents a significant step forward in his career trajectory.
A table outlining any major achievements and honours:
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian Premier League | Shakhtar Donetsk | 2023-24 (Squad Member) |
Further individual awards and records are anticipated as Newerton continues to develop and establish himself as a regular starter and key player for his club and potentially the Brazilian national team.
International career
Newerton has represented Brazil at various youth levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage. His involvement in the Brazilian youth national teams underscores his status as one of the country's promising talents.
His performances for the Brazilian youth teams have been instrumental in his development, providing him with experience against international opposition and exposing him to different tactical approaches. While specific caps and goal statistics for his youth international career are not widely available, his consistent call-ups indicate his value to the national setup.
Brazil, through organizations like the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), places a strong emphasis on developing young talent through its national youth teams. Newerton's participation in these squads provides a pathway to potentially represent the senior Brazil national football team in the future. The experience gained from international youth tournaments is invaluable for players transitioning to the senior level, helping them adapt to the pressures and demands of elite football.
As of 2026, Newerton is still developing, and his senior international debut for Brazil is widely anticipated. His progression at club level will be a key factor in earning a call-up to the highly competitive Brazilian senior squad, which regularly features some of the world's top players.
What makes Newerton stand out
Newerton's standout qualities revolve around his exceptional technical ability and creative flair, particularly for a player of his age. His capacity to operate effectively in tight spaces, coupled with his vision, makes him a constant threat in the attacking third. He possesses a rare combination of close control and quick decision-making that allows him to break down defenses.
One distinctive trait is his courage to attempt ambitious plays, whether it's a daring dribble past multiple defenders or an intricate pass that unlocks a compact defense. This willingness to take risks, often successfully, sets him apart. Furthermore, his adaptability to different attacking roles, from a central attacking midfielder to an inverted winger, highlights his tactical intelligence and versatility.
"Newerton brings that unique Brazilian spark, a player who can change the game with a moment of individual brilliance."