João Mário is considered one of the greatest footballers in Portugal's history, and his career with Benfica has been no exception to this reputation. Born on January 18, 1975, in Vila Nova de Gaia, João Mário began his professional career with hometown club FC Porto. After a successful stint with Porto, he moved to Italian giants AC Milan for €4 million in 2001.
His time at Milan was short-lived, as he only played five matches before returning to Portugal where he joined Sporting CP. In 2006, he made the move back to Italy, signing for Fiorentina for €10 million. It wasn't long before he returned to Portugal once again, joining fellow top-flight side FC Porto in 2008.
One of the most notable highlights of João Mário's career came during his spell at Benfica. He spent four seasons at the club,Bundesliga Express winning two league titles and the Portuguese Cup in addition to the UEFA Champions League in 2013. During his tenure at Benfica, he scored over 200 goals in all competitions, making him one of the most prolific strikers in Portuguese football history.
In 2017, João Mário announced his retirement from professional football, ending his illustrious career at the age of 42. Despite his retirement, his legacy at Benfica lives on, and his contributions to the club will always be remembered.
Throughout his career, João Mário showed incredible skill and dedication on the pitch, and his impact on the game cannot be overstated. His achievements at Benfica are a testament to his talent and determination, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest footballers in Portuguese history.