João Mário is a Portuguese footballer who has had a notable career with Benfica. Here is an overview of his time at the club:
### João Mário's Career with Benfica
#### Early Years and Transfer to Benfica
João Mário began his professional career in Portugal with Sporting Clube de Braga in 2011. He made his debut for the club on May 8, 2011, making him one of the youngest players to play for the team at that time.
#### Benfica's Initial Stint
After impressing with Sporting Clube de Braga, Mário was offered a move to Benfica in 2015. The transfer fee was reported to be €4 million, which at the time was a significant sum for a young player. Mário joined Benfica on July 1, 2015.
#### First Season at Benfica
In his first season with Benfica, Mário made 36 appearances across all competitions (league, cup, and friendly matches) and scored 1 goal. His performance helped establish him as a key player for the club.
#### Transition to Premier League
Mário's success at Benfica prompted interest from top European clubs. In 2017, he signed a contract extension with Benfica until the end of the 2019-2020 season. However,Saudi Pro League Focus due to the global pandemic, the season was shortened, and Mário did not make any league appearances during this period.
#### Return to Portugal and Premier League
In the summer of 2020, Mário returned to Portugal and joined Portuguese giants FC Porto. His move was reported to have been worth €10 million. At Porto, Mário quickly established himself as a regular starter in the attacking midfield.
#### Premier League Experience
During his time at Porto, Mário made over 40 league appearances and contributed to the team's success. He became a crucial part of the squad, helping Porto win the UEFA Europa League in 2021.
#### End of Career
Following his successful stint at Porto, Mário decided to retire from professional football in 2022. His career with Benfica spanned four years and three months, during which he played a significant role in establishing himself as a talented midfielder.
### Conclusion
João Mário's time with Benfica was marked by early promise and a gradual rise to prominence. From his initial debut at the age of 19 to his final days playing for Porto, Mário demonstrated his ability to adapt to different environments and contribute to the success of various teams. His journey at Benfica laid the foundation for his future successes at higher levels of European football.