Everton Cebolinha

Everton Sousa Soares is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder for Flamengo and the Brazil national team. Universally known by his nickname Cebolinha, which translates to "Little Onion" or references the comic strip character Jimmy Five due to his curly hair, he has established himself as one of the most technically gifted players in South American football.

His career is defined by two continental triumphs with different clubs: winning the Copa Libertadores with Grêmio in 2016 and reclaiming the title with Flamengo in 2022. Standing at 174 cm, Everton utilizes a low center of gravity and exceptional dribbling skills to navigate tight spaces, earning him comparisons to other Brazilian playmakers while maintaining a distinct, quiet intensity on the pitch. [edit]

Everton grew up in Fortaleza, a city in northeastern Brazil renowned for producing resilient talent like Romário and Bebeto. Born into modest circumstances, his father was a former footballer who played in lower divisions, providing early exposure to the sport but not immediate financial stability. This background forced Everton to develop his game on the streets of Fortaleza through futebol de rua, a style that prioritizes close control, agility, and creativity over physical dominance.

He joined the youth academy of Fortaleza EC, where his rapid development caught the eye of scouts looking for technical flair. By age 17, he had outgrown the local scene and moved to Porto Alegre in 2013 to join the prestigious youth system of Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense. The transition was steep; he faced intense competition from older opponents in the under-17 and under-20 squads, forcing him to refine his decision-making speed and adaptability to survive in a more physically demanding environment before making his professional debut. [edit]

Everton made his professional debut for Grêmio in 2014 and quickly became a key figure in their squad. His breakthrough came during the 2016 Copa Libertadores campaign, where his individual brilliance helped Grêmio defeat giants like River Plate and Boca Juniors en route to the title. That tournament established him as one of Brazil's most exciting young talents and drew significant attention from European clubs.

In 2017, he transferred to Benfica in Portugal for approximately €10 million. While he initially struggled to adapt to the physicality of European football, he eventually won the Taça de Portugal in 2018. Following a loan spell at Flamengo in 2020 where he immediately helped the club win the Campeonato Carioca, he permanently signed with the Rio-based giants in 2021.

His return to the continental stage was triumphant. In 2022, Everton scored crucial goals during Flamengo's Copa Libertadores victory, including a goal in the final against Atlético Mineiro. Since then, he has remained a central figure in the Brasileirão, helping Flamengo secure back-to-back domestic titles in 2020 and 2021, along with the Recopa Sudamericana in 2023. As of mid-2026, he continues to be a star player for Flamengo, though recent reports suggest São Paulo FC is monitoring his situation closely. [edit]

Everton projects an image of humility and focus, contrasting sharply with the flamboyant styles often associated with Brazilian stars. Described as quiet and reserved by teammates and coaches, he lets his performances speak for themselves rather than seeking attention off the pitch. His playing style is characterized by technical elegance and unpredictability, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate skill over spectacle.

Media coverage often highlights his ability to perform under pressure in knockout stages, particularly during continental tournaments. He is viewed as a loyal servant to his clubs, having achieved significant success with both Grêmio and Flamengo without the drama of frequent transfers. His low profile extends to his fashion and public appearances, where he typically opts for understated looks that reflect his practical approach to the game. [edit]

Evaluation by the iFANN Editorial Team places Everton Cebolinha outside the current published global Top 1,000 rankings as of the August 2026 data collection period. While he does not hold a specific ordinal rank in the worldwide fame index, his standing within the Brazilian football ecosystem is exceptionally high. He is widely recognized as one of the premier wingers in the Brasileirão, commanding significant attention from fans across South America.

Fans refer to him affectionately by his nickname Cebolinha, celebrating his ability to beat defenders in tight spaces with effortless dribbling. Although there is no official fandom name dedicated solely to him, he enjoys massive support from the Flamengo fanbase, known as the Mengão. Campaigns by supporters often focus on his potential return to the Brazil national team after periods of absence, reflecting his enduring status as a key player for the country. Fans frequently share clips of his iconic goals from the 2016 and 2022 Libertadores campaigns, cementing his legacy in modern Brazilian football history. [edit]

His nickname Cebolinha is a direct reference to the popular Brazilian comic strip character from Mafalda, chosen because of his distinctive curly hair and smaller stature compared to other players. Despite being linked to major European clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United throughout his career, he has consistently chosen to stay within South America or move to Portugal rather than committing to a top-tier English or Spanish league.

Everton is known for his resilience against injuries, having overcome various ankle sprains and muscle strains that have occasionally interrupted his momentum. He maintains a relatively private life compared to peers like Neymar, often focusing entirely on his training and family. His social media presence is active but modest, with his Instagram account @22everton gathering nearly half a million followers as of 2026. [edit]

Everton comes from a family with deep roots in football. His father played professionally in lower divisions, which sparked Everton's initial interest in the sport and provided him with early guidance. While details about his siblings remain private, he maintains a close bond with his family and credits them for his grounded personality. Unlike some high-profile athletes who live in the spotlight, Everton prefers to keep his home life away from the media, focusing on his parents and extended family in Fortaleza when he is not traveling for matches. [edit]

Neymar Jr, Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), Renato Gaúcho[edit]

Everton Cebolinha is known for keeping his personal life strictly private, especially when compared to the high-profile relationships of other Brazilian stars. There are no widely publicized, confirmed long-term romantic relationships, marriages, or engagements in credible media sources. He has maintained a low profile outside of football, focusing primarily on his family and career development.

As of 2026, Everton is reported to be single. No official partner has been named in reputable sports or entertainment outlets. He tends to avoid the tabloid spotlight, preferring to let his on-field achievements define his public narrative rather than his romantic life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Everton Cebolinha's net worth at approximately $4.2 million. This figure reflects his substantial earnings from his contract with Flamengo, where he is one of the highest-paid players in the Brasileirão, combined with bonuses from his continental victories. His market value peaked around €15 million in 2019, though it settled at €7.00 million in 2026 due to age and injury history.

The bulk of his wealth stems from his salary at Flamengo and undisclosed local endorsement deals. While he does not have major business ventures or production companies publicly linked to him, he likely holds real estate assets in Brazil. The financial trajectory shows steady growth since his move to Europe, with his return to Flamengo solidifying his position as a top earner in South American football. [edit]

Everton has secured numerous honors throughout his career, headlined by two Copa Libertadores titles with Grêmio in 2016 and Flamengo in 2022. He also won the Copa do Brasil with Grêmio in 2015 and the Taça de Portugal with Benfica in 2018. Domestically, he has claimed multiple Brasileirão championships and Campeonato Carioca titles with Flamengo, along with the Recopa Sudamericana in 2023. [edit]