João Mendes (footballer, born 1994)

João Sabino Mendes Neto Saraiva (born 21 October 1994), known as Mendes, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Primeira Liga club Vitória de Guimarães.

Club career
Born in Matosinhos, Porto District, Mendes played youth football for four clubs, notably having two spells at local Leixões SC. He spent his first four seasons as a senior in the third division, representing in quick succession Gondomar SC, CD Gouveia, A.D. Nogueirense, CD Operário and U.D. Oliveirense. In 2016–17, he scored three goals in 27 matches to help the latter team to promotion to the LigaPro.

Mendes made his professional debut with Oliveirense on 27 August 2017, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 away loss against F.C. Famalicão. He scored his first goal in division two the following 11 April, but in a 3–2 away defeat to C.D. Cova da Piedade.

In summer 2018, Mendes signed with Primeira Liga side C.D. Tondela on a one-year loan. He appeared in his first game in the competition on 2 December, replacing Bruno Monteiro in the first half of the 3–2 loss at Portimonense SC; the move was made permanent at the end of that spell.

Mendes was loaned to Académica de Coimbra of the second tier on 30 August 2019. In February 2021, also on loan, he joined G.D. Estoril Praia in the same league.

Mendes remained in division two for 2021–22, on a contract at G.D. Chaves. He contributed 24 appearances (26 overall) and three goals to help them return to the top flight, adding 31, two goals and two assists in the following campaign as they comfortably retained their status.

On 14 June 2023, Mendes joined Vitória S.C. on a two-year deal. On 2 September, he was sent off with a straight red card early into an eventual 4–0 away loss to S.L. Benfica. On 8 October, he scored a first-half brace in the 3–1 victory at Famalicão.

Career statistics


Honours
Estoril
 * Liga Portugal 2: 2020–21