João Maria Lobo Alves Palhares Costa Palhinha Gonçalves, born on June 9, 1995, in Lisbon, Portugal, is a defensive midfielder for Fulham in the Premier League and the Portugal national team. The Portuguese professional footballer is known for his strong defensive skills, contributing significantly to both club and national team performances.
João Palhinha Profile Summary
Full name: João Maria Lobo Alves Palhares Costa Palhinha Gonçalves
Gender: Male
Date of birth: July 9, 1995
Place of birth: Lisbon, Portugal
Nationality: Portuguese
Current Club: Fulham F.C.
Role: midfielder
Hair color: Dark Brown
Eye color: Dark brown
Height: 1.90 m
Who is João Palhinha?
João Palhinha is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Fulham and the Portugal national team.
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Palhinha came through Sporting CP’s youth academy and made his senior debut in 2017 at the age of 22.
The Portuguese football sensation João Palhinha has left an indelible mark on the annals of football history due to his extraordinary abilities and significant contributions to the sport.
Palhinha, who was born on July 9, 1995, in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, which is known for its passion for football, is a tall player who stands at 6 feet 2½ inches and maintains a weight of 170 pounds. He is the ideal combination of height and athleticism for a defensive midfielder.
Palhinha made a huge move to the Premier League in July 2022, signing a lucrative five-year agreement with Fulham for a substantial transfer price of £20 million. This move was a significant step in Palhinha’s career.
This transfer from Sporting CP, where he had refined his skills and emerged as a promising player, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football career.
His Appearance in the Premier League
By making a remarkable 35 appearances in the Premier League during his first season with Fulham, Palhinha demonstrated his ability to compete at an international level. What truly set him apart from other players in the league was his exceptional ability to win tackles, which made him the leader in this category among all players in the league. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by contributing offensively, scoring three key goals, including a late equalizer in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Not only did he excel defensively, but he also showed his versatility by contributing offensively. Under the terms of his contract, which runs until June 30, 2027, Palhinha has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to Fulham.
João Palhinha’s Net Worth
João Palhinha, a Portuguese defensive midfielder, is projected to have a net worth of approximately $1.5 million. On July 4, 2022, he signed a contract with his current team, Fulham, worth £20 million, which translates to £2.14 million per year. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €55 million.
João Palhinha Untold Story
Palhinha began his professional career at a young age, joining Sporting CP’s youth program at just seven years old. He progressed through the ranks and made his professional debut with the B squad. In the 2014 season, he played against Portimonense. He then made his competitive debut by signing with Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 12, scoring his first brace for the team.
For two seasons, he was loaned to Braga, where he played in 76 competitive matches. During the 2021-2022 season, he faced intense competition from newly signed Manuel Ugarte. Throughout his career, he played in 95 matches and scored seven goals.
First Team Debut
In 2017, at age 22, João was called up to Sporting’s first team. He made his debut in a Taça de Portugal match, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute. His first Primeira Liga appearance came a month later. João’s breakthrough season was 2019-2020, when he became a regular starter, helping the club finish 3rd in the league.
Achievements and Awards
João Palhinha, a talented midfielder, accomplished significant milestones throughout his career. He was an integral part of the team that triumphed in the Primeira Liga in the 2020–21 season, a highly regarded achievement in Portuguese football. In 2021, Palhinha made his first complete appearance for the Portugal national team, marking the beginning of his international career. He was selected for Portugal’s squad in both the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his contributions on the international stage.
- In 2021, Palhinha had his first complete appearance for the Portugal national team, which marked the beginning of his adventure as an international footballer. This event was the beginning of Palhinha’s flourishing international career.
- Because of his abilities, Portugal selected him to be a part of their squad for both the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This demonstrates the contributions that he has made on the international stage.
Some of Palhinha’s most remarkable accomplishments and statistics are as follows:
- Winning the Primeira Liga in the 2020–21 season showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level of domestic competition.
- Making 35 appearances in the Premier League, demonstrating his consistency and importance to his team.
- Being the best tackler in the Premier League, with 147 tackles, and showcasing his defensive skills and ability to disrupt opponent attacks.
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In July 2022, Palhinha began a new chapter in his career by signing a lucrative five-year contract with Fulham, a Premier League team, for a significant transfer fee of £20 million. He was named Player of the Season for his team, receiving 68% of the votes, and scored a late equalizer in a 2–2 draw against Arsenal on August 26, 2023.
