João Victor de Souza Menezes (; born 16 June 2006), commonly known as Souza, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a left-back for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
Born in Mauá, São Paulo, Souza joined Santos' youth setup in 2016, aged nine, after playing for the futsal team of Juventus-SP. On 12 July 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club, after agreeing to a three-year deal.
On 6 February 2024, Souza was registered in the first team squad for the 2024 Campeonato Paulista, after Kevyson's injury. He made his first team debut five days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for goalscorer Hayner in a 2âÂÂ2 away draw against Mirassol.
Mainly a backup to Gonzalo Escobar, Souza played in eight Série B matches as the club achieved promotion back to the top tier as champions. On 28 November 2024, he renewed his contract until 2028.
In January 2025, Souza suffered an ankle injury, being sidelined for three months. Still a second-choice behind Escobar, he scored his first professional goal on 26 October, netting his side's first in a 2âÂÂ2 away draw against Botafogo.
On 22 January 2026, Souza joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on a long-term contract for a rumoured fee of ã13 million. Souza made his debut for Spurs on 7 February 2026, coming on as a substitute in the 2âÂÂ0 away loss to Manchester United. He made his first start for the club on 15 March, against Liverpool.
In September 2022, Souza was called up to the Brazil national under-17 team for a training period aiming at the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, and he was included in the 23-man squad on 8 March 2023. A regular starter as the nation lifted the trophy, he was also called up to the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, playing in four of Brazil's five matches in the competition.
On 17 May 2024, Souza and Santos teammates JP Chermont and Jair were called up to the Brazil national under-20 team for a period of training.
Santos
Brazil U17