Sporting CP forward João Mário is a true attacking force who has proven to be versatile throughout his career. Born on March 19, 1997, in Lisbon, Portugal, he began his football journey with hometown club Académica de Coimbra before moving to FC Porto for a fee of €25 million.
In his debut season at Porto, Mário made a significant impact and scored a total of 26 goals in all competitions, helping the team win the Primeira Liga title and reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His performances earned him a move to Manchester City in 2018, where he was immediately recognized as one of the best young players in the world.
At Manchester City, Mário continued to impress with his pace, skill,Bundesliga Tracking and goal-scoring ability. He netted 44 goals in 131 appearances across all competitions, including scoring against Chelsea in the FA Cup final and helping the team reach the Premier League title in 2020-21. Despite being loaned out to Atlético Madrid in January 2021, Mário returned to City and helped them clinch their fourth league title in five years.
However, Mário's versatility and attacking prowess have not gone unnoticed. He was called up to the Portuguese national team in 2021 and has since played for the side at both the European Championship and the World Cup. In the Euro 2021 tournament, Mário led Portugal to the semi-final stage after scoring two crucial goals in the group stage and contributing to another three goals in the knockout stages.
Despite his impressive record, Mário remains humble and focused on improving himself. He believes that his versatility allows him to adapt quickly to different situations and challenges, which is essential in modern football. Mário's achievements at Sporting CP, Manchester City, and now Portugal highlight his talent and dedication to the sport, making him one of the most promising forwards in Europe today.