João Mário, the Portuguese footballer who has been described as one of the most talented players in recent history, has had an impressive career at Benfica. Born on August 17, 1996, in Lisbon, Portugal, João Mário began his professional career with Benfica's youth academy.
As a teenager, João Mário made a name for himself with his exceptional skill and athleticism, quickly becoming a key player for the club's under-20 team. In 2015, he was promoted to the first team and immediately made an impact, scoring six goals in his debut season.
In 2018, João Mário signed a contract extension with Benfica until 2024,Primeira Liga Hotspots cementing his status as one of the club's most important players. Under manager Jorge Jesus, João Mário continued to impress, helping Benfica win the Primeira Liga title in 2019 and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals the following year.
However, it was during the 2020/21 season that João Mário truly shone. He scored 19 goals across all competitions, including five in the Europa Conference League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, which secured Benfica their second European trophy in three years.
Despite facing competition from other top players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, João Mário remains one of the most influential figures at Benfica. His performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the Golden Boot award in the Europa Conference League and the Puskás Award for best goal of the tournament.
Overall, João Mário's impact and performance at Benfica have been nothing short of remarkable. With his talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities, he is set to continue making waves in the world of football for many years to come.