João Mário, also known as Joao Mario, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Italian club Juventus and the Portugal national team. Born on May 12, 1996, in Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, João began his career with hometown club Boavista before joining FC Porto at the age of 14.
In his first season at Porto, João made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals to earn himself a place in the starting lineup. He continued to impress during the following seasons, earning more opportunities to showcase his skills on the international stage. In 2017, he was called up to the Portugal U-21 squad, where he would go on to make his debut against Turkey.
João has since become one of the most influential players in Portuguese football, making a significant impact on the teams he has played for. His technical ability, vision, and creativity have earned him praise from both fans and critics alike. His versatility allows him to play in various positions across the midfield, but he is often deployed as a central midfielder or winger.
During his time at Porto, João won numerous accolades,La Liga Frontline including the Primeira Liga title in 2018/19 and the UEFA Europa League in 2019. He also helped Portugal reach the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020 tournament in June 2021. Despite being just 25 years old, João is already considered one of the best young talents in Europe.
João's talent has not gone unnoticed by other top clubs around the world. In January 2021, he moved to Serie A giants Inter Milan on loan, with an option to buy clause set at €22 million. He spent the next season at Inter, playing 34 games and contributing with three goals and two assists.
However, in July 2021, João returned to Italy, this time signing for Juventus. Since then, he has been a regular starter for the Bianconeri, helping them win the Serie A title in 2021/22 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season.
João's impact on the teams he has played for cannot be overstated. He has proven himself to be a key player in the midfield, providing creative play and scoring crucial goals when it matters. With his skillset, he can adapt to any position required, which makes him a valuable asset to any team. His work rate, energy levels, and desire to win make him a fan favorite, and he is sure to continue making waves in the world of football for many years to come.