João Mário, also known as Joao Mario or João Mário, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Benfica in the Primeira Liga. Born on September 16, 1995, in Cascais, Portugal, he has made a significant impact on the football scene with his exceptional skills and goal-scoring abilities.
Mário began his career at hometown club C.D. Nacional before moving to S.L. Benfica, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Portuguese football. In just two years, he won the Primeira Liga title with Benfica in the 2017-18 season, scoring six goals in the process.
Over the course of his career, Mário has played for several clubs including Benfica, FC Porto, Manchester City, and currently returns to Benfica after being loaned out during the 2020/21 campaign. His performances have been consistently impressive, making him one of the top forwards in European football.
In total, João Mário has scored 44 goals in 108 appearances for Benfica across all competitions. He holds records such as the highest number of goals scored by a player under 20 years old in the Primeira Liga (10), the youngest player to score in the Champions League final (19 years and 28 days), and the fastest player to score in the UEFA Europa League final (in 12 seconds).
Mário's dedication to the sport and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him numerous awards and accolades. He was named the Best Young Player in Europe by UEFA in 2017, and he was voted the Best Player of the Year in Portugal by the Portuguese Football Federation in 2021.
In conclusion, João Mário's journey from a talented youth prospect to a successful and celebrated international footballer is nothing short of remarkable. With his exceptional skillset, work ethic, and dedication to the game, it seems likely that Mário will continue to make significant contributions to Benfica and the wider football community.