Balão (footballer, born 2003)

João Victor de Amorim Marinho (born 7 January 2003), known as João Victor or Balão, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Santos.

Early career
Born in São Luís, Maranhão, Balão started his career with local youth side São Luís FC in the end of 2018. In July 2020, after failed trials at Vasco da Gama, Flamengo and Ferroviária, he moved to Moto Club.

Moto Club
After impressing with the under-20s, Balão was promoted to the main squad of Moto in February 2021, and made his senior debut on 2 May, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 Campeonato Maranhense away draw against Juventude Samas. He featured in the following three matches of the tournament, earning his first start late in the month in the second leg of the Final against Sampaio Corrêa (1–3 home loss).

Santos
In July 2021, Balão moved to Santos, initially assigned to the under-20 team. On 31 January 2023, he was promoted to the first team for trainings, and renewed his contract until December 2025.