João Rodrigo Pereira Escoval (born 8 May 1997) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Russian Premier League club Akron Tolyatti.
Club career Escoval was born in Lisbon. He joined S.L. Benfica's youth system at the age of 10, signing from SG Sacavenense also in the region.
On 24 August 2016, Escoval made his professional debut for Benfica's B team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 away win against F.C. Vizela in the LigaPro. He contributed a further nine starts until the end of the season, helping to a final fourth position.
On 18 August 2017, the 20-year-old Escoval and teammate Filipe Ferreira were sold to NK Istra 1961 from the Croatian Football League, as Mato Miloš moved in the opposite direction. On 10 January 2018, he signed a -year contract with HNK Rijeka of the same country and league, with a three-year extension option. He scored his first top-flight goal while in service of the latter club, opening the 2–0 away victory over NK Varaždin on 28 September 2019.
Escoval joined Cypriot First Division side Anorthosis Famagusta FC on 31 January 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, but switched to the Super League Greece with Volos F.C. shortly after. He returned to Portugal in summer 2023, agreeing to a two-year contract at Vizela. He made his Primeira Liga debut on 27 August by starting the 2–0 loss at Vitória de Guimarães and, in December, renewed his link until 2026.
On 29 June 2024, Escoval signed for Russian Premier League newcomers FC Akron Tolyatti.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotal Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps GoalsBenfica B2015–16LigaPro000000—002016–171600000—160Total160000000160Istra 19612017–18Croatian Football League1203000—150Rijeka2017–18Croatian Football League700000—702018–192303000—2602019–202714000—3112020–211901061—2612021–22803050—160Total841110111001062Anorthosis2021–22Cypriot First Division203000—50Volos2022–23 Super League Greece2902000—310Vizela2023–24Primeira Liga1904000—230Akron Tolyatti2024–25Russian Premier League28220——3022025–26Russian Premier League20050—202702026–27Russian Premier League8020——100Total562900020672Career total2183320111202634
Honours Rijeka Croatian Football Cup: 2018–19, 2019–20
Individual Russian Premier League Goal of the Month: April 2025 (on 27 April 2025 against Khimki).
References
External links