João Maria Lobo Alves Palhinha Gonçalves

João Palhinha is a Portuguese midfielder born in Lisbon on 9 July 1995. He developed at Sporting CP and progressed through the club’s system before gaining senior experience elsewhere. A spell with SC Braga from 2018 to 2020 established him as a strong holding player and brought a Taça da Liga triumph. Returning to Sporting CP in 2020, Palhinha helped the team win the 2020–21 Primeira Liga title while anchoring midfield. He moved to Fulham in July 2022, where his tackling and defensive coverage made him a central figure. Palhinha joined Bayern München in July 2024 after two seasons in the Premier League. He has also represented Portugal, giving the national side a physically imposing option in defensive midfield.