Filipe JOTA

Best known for his prowess as a dribbler and his passing ability, Filipe Jota (more commonly known by his nickname "Jota") was born in Lisbon in March 1999. He spent his formative years from 2007 to 2018 as a youth in the Academy of Benfica in his hometown. He was given the odd appearance in the first-team at the Portuguese giant, but he spent most of his time gaining experience on loan at other clubs. whether it was with Valladolid in Spain or Celtic in Scotland. After making just 23 appearances for Benfica's first XI in Lisbon, he was snapped up by one of the clubs he had been loaned out to, but this time on a permanent basis in 2022. Celtic made use of the the 6.5 Million Euros buyout clause on their loan period, after Jota had netted 10 goals in his 29 appearances for the Scottish club during his stay. His second season would prove to be equally prolific, notching 11 goals in 32 matches, making him a first favourite with Celtic fans, to the point of Jota having a song created in his honour "Jota on the Wing". In July 2023, Saudi club Al Ittihad came calling, and offered Celtic 28.75 Million Euros for the Portuguese U21 international. His stay in Saudi Arabia, despite being in the same team as Karim Benzema and NGolo Kanté, would end up being a frustrating one for the player. Problems with limits on the registration of overseas players meant that he was limited to just 16 appearances in the new Saudi Pro League, and he found himself to be no longer in the plans of Laurent Blanc, manager of the team, in the Summer transfer window in August 2024. Keen to find a new challenge, he was immediately drawn to the offer made by Stade Rennais, and he signed for the Red and Blacks just before the deadline on 30th August 2024, in a deal worth 8 Million Euros to the Saudi club.