João Mário's Goal Records at Benfica: A Comprehensive Look
**João Mário's Goal Records at Benfica: A Comprehensive Look**
In the illustrious history of Portuguese football, João Mário stands as one of the most prolific scorers in Benfica's history. Born on September 22, 1985, in Porto, Portugal, Mário has made a lasting impact on the club that is often referred to as "O Benfiquista." His career with Benfica spans over two decades, during which he accumulated numerous goals and set several records for the club.
### Early Career
Mário began his professional career at Benfica in 2004, joining the academy from the youth system. He quickly showed promise, scoring his first goal for the team against Estoril in January 2006. This goal marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of Benfica's most decorated players.
### Golden Years
The period between 2007 and 2013 was arguably Mário's golden era at Benfica. During this time, he became one of the top strikers in Europe, contributing significantly to Benfica's success both domestically and internationally. Some of his most memorable performances include:
- **European Cup**: Mário scored three goals in the final against Chelsea in 2011, helping Benfica secure their second European Cup title.
- **Champions League**: He also scored twice in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in 2013, cementing his status as one of the best players in the competition.
- **World Cup**: In 2014, Mário scored a hat-trick in Brazil, making him the only Portuguese player to have scored a hat-trick at the World Cup.
### Record-Holding Achievements
Throughout his career, Mário has set numerous records for Benfica. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- **Most Goals in a Season**: In the 2011-12 season, Mário scored 38 goals for Benfica, setting a new record that still stands today.
- **Most Goals in a Career**: As of 2023, Mário has scored 239 goals for Benfica across all competitions, including UEFA Champions League, Liga Nacional, and Copa do Brasil.
- **Most Goals in a Single Competition**: In the 2012-13 season, Mário scored 16 goals in the UEFA Champions League, breaking the previous record held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
### Legacy
Despite retiring from active play in 2014, Mário remains an integral part of Benfica's legacy. His influence can be seen in the way the club approaches attacking football, with many of the team's tactics and strategies being based on his style of play. Mário's contributions to the club's success have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the UEFA Player of the Year award in 2013.
In conclusion, João Mário's goal records at Benfica are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. His impact on the club's history and legacy continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.