João Palhinha, born on 9 July 1995 (age 31), is a Portugal international and a commanding 6ft 3in (1.90m) central defensive midfielder now with Benfica. His current market value is around £34m, according to Transfermarkt.
He came through in Portugal and was shaped by senior football away from the comfort of the academy track. Loan spells, including time at Moreirense, Belenenses and a more substantial period with Braga, gave him the minutes and rough edges a holding midfielder usually needs before anyone starts calling him polished.
Palhinha’s later career took him into bigger leagues and bigger demands. His most productive league season came with Tottenham Hotspur in 2025-26, when he scored five goals in 33 appearances – a notable return for a player whose work is normally built around screening, tackling and keeping attacks from becoming emergencies.
At Benfica in 2026-27, he has made seven Liga Portugal appearances and three more in the Europa League, giving him 10 appearances across all competitions. He has also remained involved with Portugal this season, appearing in World Cup qualifying and the Nations League.
Palhinha’s career has been built steadily rather than flashily: developed through loans in Portugal, tested in England, and now back in Lisbon with Benfica as an experienced defensive midfielder.
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