Arriving on Tyneside in the summer of 2019, the Brazilian initially carried a price tag, role and expectations that never quite fit. Signed as a striker, tasked with lead the line, Joelinton became a symbol of frustration in a struggling side.
Goals were scarce, confidence even scarcer and every missed chance seemed to weigh a little more than the last. Many players don't survive that kind of start. Fewer still go on to be adored.
Joelinton told newcastleunited.com: "It's a great feeling to play 250 games for a massive club like Newcastle. It's a club with history and the best fans in the world, playing at St. James' Park. It makes me proud that I never gave up and followed my dreams, giving everything I have.
"I never thought I would play this amount of games. I never thought I'd be here for so many years but I enjoy every moment here. I hope there's more to come because I have many dreams to achieve with the club. Hopefully, we can stay together for more years."
The turning point came with a change of position. After Eddie Howe's managerial appointment in November 2022, Joelinton was no longer boxed into being something he wasn't. Playing as a central midfielder, his game explored into life.
His natural attributes took centre stage; power, intensity and an appetite for the fight. He became a midfielder opponents would often dread with a relentless to press, a fearlessness in tackling and a goalscoring touch that had, seasons prior, dispossessed him.
St. James' Park took notice. He was a symbol of Newcastle's new identity. Aggressive. Unmissable. Undeniable.
"The hard work and the trust in myself, being confident in my own ability, has played a big part in where I am today," the eight-time Brazil international explained. "I tried to give my best for the club and represent them in the best possible way. Of course, there were games where it didn't work or I played at my best level but I always tried to give my all.
"Whenever you have challenges, you grow as a man. I grew as a player as well and that was important. It makes you feel stronger when you overcome them. If you work hard, something good will come your way. That's what I've always believed.
"The club has grown so much from the time I joined to where it is today. To be part of it is a great feeling and makes me very proud."
Into his seventh season with the Magpies, a number of personal achievements have stacked up since arriving from TSG Hoffenheim as a 22-year-old.
And then the ultimate collective triumph; lifting last season's Carabao Cup. Joelinton, arguably the symbol of a faltering era, had transformed in a central figure to end decades of waiting.
He added: "Winning the (Carabao Cup) final and the club's first title for so many years has to be the number one moment. It's going to be in the club's history forever. You then had the parade and seeing all the fans celebrating and enjoying the moment.
"I've had many games too, scoring on my 100th Premier League appearance (a brace in a 3-0 win against Norwich City during the 2021/22 campaign) and my 200th Premier League appearance (in last month's 3-1 win at Burnley).
"There is also my first goal for the club against Tottenham. I have memories that will live with me forever."
If the groin injury sustained in last weekend's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa felt like misfortune, it also felt fitting to some extent. Joelinton's Newcastle story has been defied by physical commitment, emptying the tank for the shirt when his body eventually said no more. Milestones, for him, have rarely come without scars.
The drive and hunger for success remains as evident as when the Brazilian first stepped foot on Tyneside and, after helping the club end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, has his sights set on future silverware.
"I want to win more trophies at Newcastle," he added. "That's my goal and dreams. It was a great feeling to win the Carabao Cup last season but now we want more and I want to put my name in the history of the club, helping them to grow and become one of the best teams in the world.
"I came here very young. Now, I'm almost 30 and many things have happened during my time here. I've received two more kids - my daughter was born here - so the club have given me so much.
"I love the club and I hope I can keep doing well. My wife has been very important to me, being with me in both the good and bad moments. She's my best friend.
"The gaffer has helped me a lot since he joined the club. He switched my position and has helped me grow as a player and person. I'm very grateful for everything he has done for me. He's someone I really respect, someone I love and will always be thankful for."
Joelinton's legacy is already secure. Not because of numbers alone but because of what he represents. Resilience, reinvention and relentless commitment to finding belonging, in black and white, along the way.
