João Wellington Gadelha Melo de Oliveira (born 2 January 2004), commonly known as Japa, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Mirassol, on loan from Cruzeiro.
Career Japa was born in Goianinha, Rio Grande do Norte. A Cruzeiro youth graduate, he signed his first professional contract with the club on 14 December 2021. On 16 May 2023, he further extended his link until 2026.
Japa made his professional – and Série A – debut on 22 October 2023, coming on as a second-half substitute for fellow youth graduate Kaiki Bruno in a 1–0 away win over rivals Atlético Mineiro. Definitely promoted to the first team for the 2024 season, he featured rarely before suffering a serious thigh injury in January 2025, which sidelined him for more than ten months.
Japa scored his first senior goal on 14 January 2026, netting his side's second in a 2–1 Campeonato Mineiro away win over Tombense.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueState LeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCruzeiro2023Série A7000———702024100401000—150202550000000—50202600210000—21Career total22061100000291
References