In the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most celebrated and successful players in history. However, when it comes to Portugal, there is another player who has left a lasting impact on the country's football landscape - João Mário.
João Mário was born in 1984 and spent most of his career with Benfica, Portugal's premier club. He played for the club from 2005 until 2016, where he won numerous trophies including two UEFA Champions League titles. Mário is known for his technical skills and dribbling abilities, but what sets him apart is his ability to score goals at the highest level.
One of Mário's greatest achievements came in 2016 when he scored a hat-trick against Manchester United in the Europa League final. This was a remarkable achievement as Mário had previously scored just three goals in the competition. His goal against United was hailed as one of the greatest goals ever made in European football.
Despite his success, Mário faced criticism for his controversial behavior off the pitch. In particular, he was known for his frequent use of social media to post pictures of himself drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. These actions were seen by many as disrespectful towards fans and teammates.
However, Mário refused to be silenced. He took to Twitter to defend his actions, stating that he did not engage in these activities because he believed they were inappropriate and disrespectful to fans and teammates. Despite this, some fans and critics accused Mário of being disrespectful and unprofessional.
Overall, João Mário's career as a footballer is a testament to his talent and dedication. While he may have faced criticism for his behavior off the pitch, his contributions to the sport cannot be overstated.