John Anthony Mercado Cuero

John Anthony Mercado Cuero is an Ecuadorian attacker born in Guayaquil on 3 June 2002. He developed in the youth systems of CD Clan Juvenil and Panamá SC before attracting attention abroad. In 2019, he agreed to join Atletico Paranaense, officially linking up with the Brazilian club after turning 18 in 2020. Mercado progressed through its under-20 setup and made his professional debut against Palmeiras in the 2022 Recopa Sudamericana. Later that year, he moved to CSA on loan, making nine appearances in Brazil’s Série B. In January 2023, Mercado joined Portuguese second-tier side Vilafranquense, remaining through the club’s transition to AVS and helping secure promotion. He subsequently established himself in Portugal’s top flight before moving to Sparta Praha, where he operates from wide or attacking positions. Mercado has also represented Ecuador at youth level, including the under-17 World Cup, and is linked with Ecuador U23.