João Mário is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Benfica, one of the most successful clubs in European football history. Born on January 28, 1995, João Mário began his career with hometown club Académico de Coimbra before moving to Portugal's top tier side Sporting CP.
In his first season at Sporting, João Mário made a name for himself scoring 14 goals and contributing 17 assists across all competitions. He was named the league's best young player and helped lead Sporting to promotion from the second division.
Following his impressive debut season, João Mário signed for Benfica, where he has continued to make an impact on the pitch. In just three seasons, he has already become one of the team's most important players, contributing to numerous victories and helping the club reach new heights.
One of João Mário's standout performances came during the 2019-20 season when he scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions. His form earned him the Golden Boot award,Chinese Super League Matches which recognizes the top scorer in the Primeira Liga. It was also nominated for the UEFA Best Young Player of the Year award, highlighting his exceptional talent and contribution to the game.
Throughout his career, João Mário has shown great versatility both offensively and defensively. He is capable of playing as a lone striker or as part of a more attacking lineup, and his ability to score and create goals has been crucial to Benfica's success.
Overall, João Mário is a talented and versatile forward who has proven himself to be one of the most valuable players in the Portuguese football scene. With his outstanding performance in recent years, he continues to inspire fans and teammates alike with his skill, determination, and passion for the game.