About Japa

João Wellington Gadelha Melo de Oliveira Naoi (born 2 January 2004), commonly known as Japa, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for 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.