João Mário was a Portuguese professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs throughout his career. He is best known for his time with Benfica, one of Portugal's most successful and iconic football clubs.
João Mário was born on May 15, 1946, in Coimbra, Portugal. He began his professional career in 1967 with the local club FC Porto. After spending two seasons there, he moved to Benfica in 1969.
At Benfica, Mário quickly established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in European football history. He made his debut for the club in 1969 against Sporting CP and went on to make over 2,000 appearances for the team during his time there.
Mário's style of play was characterized by his calmness under pressure and his ability to read the game well. He was also known for his exceptional reflexes and physicality in the penalty area. His performances for Benfica were so impressive that he won numerous awards throughout his career, including the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year award in 1988.
Throughout his time at Benfica, Mário helped the club win six league titles, three Supercup titles, and four FA Cup titles. He also captained the team to victory in the 1976 UEFA Champions League final, where they defeated Real Madrid.
In addition to his playing career, Mário was also involved in coaching. In 1995, he became the head coach of Benfica, where he led the team to another league title before stepping down in 2000.
Despite retiring from active football in 2000, João Mário continued to be involved with the sport in various capacities. He served as the president of Benfica from 2000 to 2015 and remains an important figure in Portuguese football today.
Overall, João Mário's contributions to Benfica and Portuguese football as a player, coach, and administrator have cemented his place in the annals of sports history. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.