Last updated
    Joao Grimaldo

    Joao Grimaldo

    Peru flagPeru
    Celebrity

    association football player

    Also known as: Joao Alberto Grimaldo Ubidia

    Birthday

    February 20, 2003

    Birth Sign

    Pisces

    Birthplace

    Lima, Peru

    Age

    23 years old

    Height

    5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

    About

    Joao Grimaldo is a Peruvian professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Sparta Prague in the Czech Chance Liga and represents the Peru national team. Known for his pace and close control, he has drawn comparisons to classic wingers who thrive in one-on-one situations. As of 2026, he is establishing himself in European football after a promising start in Peru.

    Grimaldo's career trajectory has been steady: he broke through at Sporting Cristal as a teenager, won domestic honors, and earned international caps for Peru. His move to Sparta Prague in January 2026 marked his first permanent European contract. With a market value around €850,000 and a growing reputation, he is considered one of Peru's promising young attacking talents.

    Early Life & Background

    Joao Grimaldo grew up in Lima, Peru, where he developed a passion for football at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Sporting Cristal, one of the country's most successful clubs, and progressed through the ranks. His technical ability and speed set him apart from his peers, earning him a spot in the senior squad as a teenager.

    Grimaldo made his senior debut for Sporting Cristal in 2020 at just 17 years old. He quickly became a regular, contributing to the team's attacking play. His performances in the Peruvian Primera División helped the club win the league title, and he also lifted the Copa Bicentenario. These early successes laid the foundation for his move abroad.

    Despite his youth, Grimaldo showed maturity on the pitch, often taking on defenders and creating chances. His development at Sporting Cristal was closely monitored by scouts from Europe, and his potential became increasingly evident.

    Career Growth

    Grimaldo's breakthrough came at Sporting Cristal, where he won the Peruvian league title and the Copa Bicentenario. His performances attracted attention from European clubs, leading to a loan spell during the 2024-25 season. In January 2026, he signed permanently with Sparta Prague, becoming another winter signing for the Czech club.

    At Sparta, Grimaldo has been involved in domestic league matches and UEFA Champions League qualifying. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded one goal and one assist in 404 minutes of league play, with an average FotMob rating of 6.84. He has also earned a Latvian champion title, a surprising addition to his résumé, reflecting a loan stint in Latvia.

    Internationally, Grimaldo made his Peru debut in 2023 and has since featured in two of Peru's four matches in 2026, starting once. His market value has risen to €850,000 as of May 2026, and he continues to develop under the guidance of Sparta's coaching staff.

    Career Timeline

    2020Made senior debut for Sporting Cristal at age 17
    2021Won Copa Bicentenario with Sporting Cristal
    2022Won Peruvian Primera División title with Sporting Cristal
    2023Debuted for Peru national team
    2024Went on loan, winning a Latvian league title
    2026Signed permanently with Sparta Prague in January
    2026Recorded first goal and assist in Czech 1. Liga
    2026Featured in UEFA Champions League qualifying with Sparta

    Public Image & Style

    Grimaldo is perceived as a dynamic, fast winger with strong dribbling skills. Media coverage highlights his ability to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities. His playing style is often described as exciting and direct, making him a crowd favorite among Sporting Cristal fans and now Sparta supporters.

    On social media, he maintains a modest presence with around 154,000 Instagram followers. His posts focus on matches, training, and international duty, along with sponsor promotions. He does not have an official fandom name, but his growing popularity in Peru suggests a bright future in terms of public image.

    Fame & Fandom

    Joao Grimaldo moves through the Czech Chance Liga with a specific kind of electric urgency, his name whispered in Prague pubs but rarely shouted from stadium roofs. The Peruvian winger commands attention on the pitch, yet he has not yet cultivated a formal tribe. There is no 'Grimaldo Army' marching with banners, nor are there fan-funded billboards or viral charity drives bearing his likeness. His audience remains a standard collection of football followers and regional supporters rather than a distinct cultural movement with its own rituals or inside jokes. While his social media presence grows alongside his career, it lacks the mythologized folklore that defines global icons. He is a rising talent defined by athletic output rather than celebrity mythology. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated Joao Grimaldo, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. He is not ranked among the Global Top 1,000 or any scope list.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Joao Grimaldo's Instagram bio references the 2026 World Cup experience in Mexico, hinting at his ambition to represent Peru on the biggest stage. He is sponsored by Adidas Peru, a partnership that underscores his growing profile. His name, spelled "Joao" in the Portuguese style, is unusual for a Peruvian, a quirk that has sparked curiosity among fans. He wears jersey number 21 at Sparta Prague, though some databases list him with number 25. His Wikipedia page is available in 25 languages, with Spanish and English readers driving the most traffic. Despite his rapid rise, no legendary incidents or viral myths have emerged to define his public persona beyond his on-field achievements. Stories about his career remain grounded in factual milestones like his debut at Sporting Cristal and his transfer to Europe, rather than extraordinary crowd reactions or folklore.

    Family & Personal Life

    Details about Grimaldo's family are not publicly documented. He keeps his personal life private, and no information about his parents or siblings has been shared in credible sources. He appears to be focused on his football career, with his Instagram primarily featuring professional content and sponsorships.

    Notable Connections

    Grimaldo is associated with his current club Sparta Prague and the Peru national team. He previously played for Sporting Cristal in Peru, where he developed his skills. He also has a sponsorship deal with Adidas Peru.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    There is no public information about Joao Grimaldo's romantic relationships. He has not been linked to any partners in credible media outlets, and his social media does not provide clear evidence of a significant other. His Instagram bio mentions "Adriana," but this could refer to a friend or relative, and no confirmation exists.

    As of 2026, Grimaldo appears to be single, focusing on his football career. He has not publicly discussed his dating life, and he maintains a low profile off the pitch.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $1 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN currently estimates Joao Grimaldo's net worth at $1 Million as of 2026. His primary income comes from his professional football contract with Sparta Prague, where he earns a salary typical for a young player in the Czech league. Additionally, he receives bonuses and sponsorships, including a deal with Adidas Peru. While his salary is not publicly disclosed, a player of his age and experience typically earns between $200,000 and $500,000 annually. Endorsements and appearance fees for international matches add to his earnings. Grimaldo's financial trajectory is on an upward path, with potential for growth as he continues to establish himself in European football.

    Awards Won (3)

    Grimaldo has won the Peruvian league title with Sporting Cristal, the Copa Bicentenario, and a Latvian champion title. These team honors highlight his early success in domestic competitions.

    2022 · League Champion

    Sporting Cristal

    Won

    2021 · Cup Winner

    Sporting Cristal

    Won
    View all 4 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Peru national team

    2023 · Winger

    Sporting Cristal

    2020 · Winger

    Sparta Prague

    2026 · Winger

    Keywords

    Joao GrimaldoPeruvian footballerSparta PraguewingerPeru national teamSporting Cristal

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    association football player
    Born
    February 20, 2003
    Birthplace
    Lima, Peru
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Pisces
    Height
    5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
    Position
    Left Winger
    Current Club
    Sparta Prague
    National Team
    Peru
    Market Value
    €850,000

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Joao Alberto Grimaldo Ubidia
    Height
    5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old is Joao Grimaldo?
    Joao Grimaldo was born on February 20, 2003, which makes him 23 years old as of 2026. He is a young and promising footballer from Peru.
    What position does Joao Grimaldo play?
    Joao Grimaldo plays as a left winger, though he can also operate as a forward. He is known for his speed and dribbling ability on the flank.
    Where does Joao Grimaldo play in 2026?
    In 2026, Joao Grimaldo plays for Sparta Prague in the Czech Chance Liga. He also represents the Peru national team in international matches.
    What is Joao Grimaldo's market value?
    As of May 2026, Joao Grimaldo's market value is estimated at €850,000 according to Transfermarkt. This reflects his current level and potential.
    Is Joao Grimaldo dating anyone?
    There is no public information about Joao Grimaldo's dating life. He appears to be single, focusing on his football career, and keeps his personal life private.

    Social Media

    Join the community

    fans discussing