In this
Portuguese name, the first or maternal
family name is Paula and the second or paternal family name is da Cunha. "Filho" is a
generational suffix meaning "son", which is used for someone whose name is the same as their father, like "Jr." in English.
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:21, 18 March 2024 (UTC)
Jair Paula da Cunha Filho (born 7 March 2005), known as Jair Cunha[2] or just Jair, is a Brazilian
footballer who plays as a
central defender for
Santos.
Club career
Born in
Orlândia,
São Paulo, Jair joined
Santos' youth setup in 2016, aged ten.[3] On 19 June 2021, he signed his first professional contract with the club, agreeing to a deal until 2024.[4]
On 22 June 2022, Jair renewed his link with Peixe until June 2025,[5] and started to train with the first team squad in August.[6] On 12 January of the following year, he suffered a
knee injury while playing for the under-20s in the 2023
Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.[7]
Jair returned to trainings in August 2023, while entering the final stages of his recovery.[8] He was declared fit to play in October,[9] and made his professional – and
Série A – debut on 9 November, coming on as a late
substitute for fellow youth graduate
Marcos Leonardo in a 1–0 away win over
Goiás.[10]
On 23 April 2024, after becoming an immediate backup to starters
Gil and
Joaquim, Jair renewed his contract with Santos until December 2026.[11]