Joao Mario returns to AEK Athens

Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario has officially returned to AEK Athens, signing with the club on a permanent deal following the termination of his contract with Besiktas. The 33-year-old player arrived in Greece during the final hours of the summer transfer window, reuniting with head coach Marko Nikolic. This move follows the club's decision to pursue new recruitment strategies amidst the departure of Derek Kutesa.

Joao Mario was instrumental in AEK's success during the 2025-26 season, contributing six goals and three assists across 31 appearances. Most notably, his decisive goal in stoppage time during a 2-1 victory against Panathinaikos on May 10, 2026, secured the Super League championship for the team. While he played for the club on loan last season, he has now joined as a free agent.

The acquisition serves as a strategic reinforcement for the team, as Nikolic intends to integrate the experienced player into his roster immediately. The club officially announced the signing on September 2, 2026, marking a significant end to their summer transfer activities.