João Palhinha, Portugal footballer: Profile, Career, News & Videos

João Palhinha is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Portugal national team.

He came through at Sporting CP, first appearing with the first team in 2017 and also having loans at Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga. After returning in 2020, he became a starter, notably winning the 2020–21 Primeira Liga and back-to-back Taças da Liga in 2021 and 2022. In July 2022, he was signed by Premier League side Fulham for £20 million, spending two seasons with the club and helping them achieve mid-table finishes in both. He joined Bayern Munich in July 2024.

Palhinha finished second with Portugal at the 2014 European Under-19 Championship. He made his full debut in 2021, and was chosen in the squads for the 2022 World Cup and two European Championships (2020 and 2024), also winning the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League.