João Tomé Esteves Baptista (born 12 February 2003), known as João Tomé, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Primeira Liga club Rio Ave.
Club career Benfica Born in Lisbon, João Tomé joined S.L. Benfica's academy aged 8. In August 2021, he signed a professional contract with the club.
João Tomé made his senior debut with the reserve team in the Liga Portugal 2 on 6 August 2022, playing 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw against Académico de Viseu FC. He scored his first goal in the competition on 18 October that year, in the 5–1 win over C.D. Mafra also at the Benfica Campus.
On 11 April 2023, João Tomé was called to the main squad by manager Roger Schmidt for a game against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He was not used in the 2–0 home defeat.
Rio Ave On 30 June 2024, João Tomé joined Rio Ave F.C. on a three-year deal. His first match in the Primeira Liga took place on 9 August, when he featured the second half of a 3–1 loss away to Sporting CP.
For the better part of 2025–26, João Tomé and João Graça were the only national players in a Sotiris Sylaidopoulos-led side (with the club being owned by Evangelos Marinakis) that included seven of his Greek compatriots; João Novais left the squad shortly after the season started.
International career João Tomé earned caps for Portugal from under-15 to under-20 level.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBenfica B2022–23Liga Portugal 2261––00261Career total261000000261
Honours Benfica UEFA Youth League: 2021–22 Under-20 Intercontinental Cup: 2022
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