João Marinho Neto is a Brazilian supercentenarian whose age has been validated by LongeviQuest. He is currently the world’s oldest known living man.
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On 9 October 2026, aged 114.
Supercentenarian Profile
João Marinho Neto
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BIOGRAPHY
João Marinho Neto was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil on 5 October 1912, into a family of farmers. His parents were Antônio Júlio da Graça (1879) and Victoria da Virgem Mártyr (1882). In 1899, they married in Itapebussu (a district of Maranguape), which at the time was a settlement called Cruz. João’s namesake comes from his maternal grandfather, João Marinho Falcão.
During his childhood, his parents moved the family to a rural area of Apuiarés (at the time a district of Pentecoste). From the age of about four, João was already enjoying helping his father and his employee in the fields. Along with taking care of the cattle, they would harvest fruit from Juazeiro trees, by creating a makeshift hook from the branches to protect the fruit. He experienced hardship on several occasions, as he had to survive through severe droughts that struck the region throughout the decades.
In 1944, João married Josefa Albano dos Santos (1920–1994), with whom he had five children: Antônio Arilo, José Almir (deceased), Fátima, Raimundo, and Vanda (deceased). His wife had inherited property at Fazenda Massapê, where João cultivated the land with corn and beans. He also raised cattle, goats, pigs, and chickens. Later in his life, João had three more children—Venícius, Jarbas, and Conceição—with Antônia Rodrigues Moura. Through hard work, João built a financially stable life, accruing assets such as land and houses.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, he attributed it to being surrounded by good people, avoiding too much solitude, and having his children close to share love and connection.
On 14 August 2025, he gave a celebratory greetings to Ethel Caterham, for her upcoming 116th birthday.
On 5 October 2025, he turned 113 years old, while his 113th birthday celebration took place on 9 October 2025. Video report.
On 9 January 2026, he gave a celebratory greetings to Yolanda Beltrão de Azevedo, for her upcoming 115th birthday.
On 12 August 2026, he gave another celebratory greetings to Ethel Caterham, ahead of her 117th birthday.
On 5 October 2026, he turned 114 years old. He also exchanged congratulatory birthday messages with Ken Weeks that year, marking the first documented communication between the oldest and second-oldest living men. On 10 October, LongeviQuest correspondent Iara Souza had the honor of attending the birthday celebration.
João Marinho Neto continues to reside in the city of Apuiarés. His descendants include six living children, 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
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RECOGNITION
On 2 April 2024, following the passing of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez Mora of Venezuela, he became the oldest (known) living man in Latin America, at the age of 111 years, 180 days.
His age was verified by Gabriel Ainsworth and Iara Souza with assistance with his family, and validated by LongeviQuest on 26 October 2024.
On 25 November 2024, following the passing of 112-year-old John Tinniswood, he became the world’s oldest living man, at the age of 112 years, 51 days, and was subsequently recognized by Guinness World Records.
On 12 December 2024, he was presented a commemorative LongeviQuest plaque, in recognition of his status.
On 16 May 2025, he received the LongeviQuest World’s Oldest Man Trophy, in recognition of his remarkable longevity.
ATTRIBUTION
GALLERY
Circa age 98, constructing toy houses for charity for children.
At age 107, with his sister Mercê (1 November 1919 – 13 September 2022).
Oh his 110th birthday, with his daughter Fátima, granddaughter Luciana, and great-grandchildren.
On 12 October 2024 with his daughter, Fátima, and son, Vinícius. (Source: Courtesy of the family)
On 27 November 2024, aged 112. (Source: Courtesy of the family)
João with his nursing home staff, taken on 30 November 2024. (Source: Courtesy of the family)
On 12 December 2024, with LongeviQuest plaque.
On 14 March 2025, aged 112.
On 14 March 2025, aged 112.
On 17 May 2025, with LongeviQuest trophy.
João Marinho Neto congratulating Ethel Caterham on her 116th birthday. (14 August 2025)
On 9 October 2025, celebrating his 113th birthday.
On 9 October 2025, celebrating his 113th birthday.
On 23 November 2025, aged 113.
On 9 January 2026, expressing his birthday wishes to Yolanda Beltrão de Azevedo, the oldest person in Brazil.
On 20 April 2026, aged 113.
João Marinho Neto congratulating Ethel Caterham on her 117th birthday. (12 August 2026)
At 113, congratulating Ken Weeks for his upcoming birthday. (24 September 2026)
On his 114th birthday celebration with LongeviQuest representative Iara Souza. (10 October 2026)
On his 114th birthday celebration with Iara Souza and five of his children. (10 October 2026)
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