Souza (footballer, born 2006)

João Victor de Souza Menezes (born 16 June 2006), commonly known as Souza, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a left-back for Santos.

Club career
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 2–2 away draw against Mirassol.

International career
In September 2022, Souza was called up to the Brazil national under-17 team for a training period aiming the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, which 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 trainings.

Honours
Brazil U17
 * South American U-17 Championship: 2023