João Mário, born on June 29, 1987, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Portugal national team. Born in Funchal, Madeira, João Mário began his career with Sporting CP's youth academy before joining Benfica in 2006.
Mário made his professional debut for Benfica in a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid in October 2006, scoring twice in a 4-1 win. He went on to become one of the most talented young players in Europe during his time at Benfica, earning several accolades including the UEFA Young Player of the Year award in 2009.
In 2012, Mário moved to Atletico Madrid, where he continued to make an impact on the club's front line. In just two seasons,Ligue 1 Express he scored 55 goals in 101 appearances for Atletico, helping the team to numerous domestic and European titles. Mário's impressive performances led to him being named the La Liga Golden Boot winner in 2014.
After leaving Atletico Madrid, Mário joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015, where he has since established himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in English football. Under Pep Guardiola's management, Mário has won numerous trophies, including four Premier League titles and the 2017 FA Cup.
Throughout his career, Mário has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile forwards in world football, capable of playing both as a striker and as a winger. His ability to score from a variety of positions and his clinical finishing have made him a key player for Manchester City and Portugal.
Despite facing competition from other top strikers such as Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, Mário remains one of the best forwards in the world and continues to be a valuable asset to Manchester City and the Portuguese national team. As he nears the end of his career, Mário's contributions to the sport will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of footballers.