A Benfica icon, Jonas celebrates a special date | OneFootball

Jonas, “o Pistolas,” is to be congratulated! The former Benfica striker celebrates his birthday this Wednesday and turns 42 years old. The Brazilian was one of the most important figures in the Eagles’ squad, contributing many goals and moments of joy.

Born in the town of Taiúva, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, on April 1, 1984, Jonas completed all of his development in Brazilian football, where he also made his professional debut with Guarani in the 2005 season, staying there for just one year before moving to Santos the following campaign.

After several seasons of outstanding performances in Brazil, he was signed in 2010/2011 by Spanish side Valencia - where Enzo Barrenechea played. He spent four seasons in Spanish football, making a total of 156 appearances and scoring 51 goals. In 2014, he arrived at the Estádio da Luz on a free transfer and quickly became the Eagles’ attacking talisman.

In the five seasons he wore the Sacred Mantle, Jonas Gonçalves became Benfica’s second-highest foreign goalscorer, behind only Óscar Tacuara Cardozo. In addition, he holds the record for the most goals scored in a debut season, with 31 goals. Overall, between 2014 and 2019, the former number 17 made 183 official appearances, contributing 137 goals and 36 assists. The Brazilian would go on to end his career the following season due to a chronic back injury. Now living in Brazil, Jonas has opened a pharmacy.

He left the Estádio da Luz at 35 years of age, with a brilliant career behind him. While playing for Benfica, the Brazilian goalscorer amassed an impressive haul of titles: .

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