Joao Mario Portuguese footballer, midfielder Date of Birth: 19.01.1993 Country: Portugal

1. Early Life and Academy Career
2. Rise at Sporting CP
3. Portuguese Champion
4. Crowning Glory with Portugal
5. Overseas Adventures

Early Life and Academy Career

João Mário, a Portuguese footballer, was born in the second-largest city of Porto. From a young age, he developed a passion for football and joined the FC Porto Academy at the age of nine. However, he remained there for only two years before his parents moved him to Sporting CP in Lisbon.

Rise at Sporting CP

In Sporting CP, João Mário flourished as a promising star of European football. His love for the ball and attacking flair showcased his excellent technique and passing abilities. At eighteen, he received his call-up to the Sporting CP first team, making his professional debut in the UEFA Europa League on December 14, 2011, against Lazio. That season, Sporting CP's impressive run in the Europa League saw them eliminate Manchester City in the Round of 16. Despite high expectations as favorites, Sporting CP was eliminated in the semifinals by Athletic Bilbao, crushing João Mário's hopes of winning the trophy.

Portuguese Champion

Gradually introduced into the starting lineup in the Primeira Liga, João Mário made his league debut for Sporting CP in 2013 against Marítimo. To gain more experience, he was loaned to Vitória Setúbal in 2014, where he proved his worth for a place back at Sporting CP. Upon his return to Lisbon, he scored his first goal for the "Lions" against Marítimo in 2015. That same year, he triumphed with Sporting CP in winning the Portuguese Cup.

Crowning Glory with Portugal

2016 marked a pivotal year for João Mário. After reaching the final of the European Under-21 Championship the previous year, he received a call-up to the senior Portugal national team. He made his debut in 2014, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half. At Euro 2016, João Mário was a regular starter for Portugal, playing in all seven matches throughout the tournament. In the final against France, despite being deemed underdogs by bookmakers, Portugal emerged triumphant with a goal from Éder in extra time. João Mário played the full 120 minutes, claiming the title of European Champion.

Overseas Adventures

After his success at Euro 2016, João Mário secured a move to Inter Milan in 2016 for a fee of €40 million. He became a regular starter in Milan, featuring consistently for two seasons. In 2018, he was loaned to West Ham United, where he made 13 appearances and scored two goals. Upon his return to Inter Milan, he was deemed surplus to requirements and joined Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia. He played a pivotal role at Lokomotiv Moscow, extending his loan for an additional season. However, when Lokomotiv Moscow was given an option to purchase João Mário for €18 million in 2020, they opted against a permanent deal.