Jardel Nivaldo Vieira

Early career

Born in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Jardel was an Avaí FC youth graduate. Signing his first professional contract at the age of only 16, being promoted to the first team. In March 2005, Jardel joined Esporte Clube Vitória, winning the year's Campeonato Baiano while at the club. After suffering relegation from Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, he signed for Santos FC on 15 January 2006. Jardel left Peixe in December 2006 after making no appearances and struggling severely with injuries. He subsequently represented Iraty Sport Club, Avaí, Joinville Esporte Clube, Ituano FC and Desportivo Brasil before moving abroad. In 2009, Jardel moved to Portugal, where he would remain in the following years. He played one season with G.D. Estoril Praia in the second division where he only missed two league games, then signed with S.C. Olhanense in the top level on a one-year deal. He made 19 total appearances in his half-season on the Algarve, scoring in a 3–1 win over Vitória de Setúbal on 2 October 2010 to put the team into second place.

Benfica

In January 2011, Jardel joined Portuguese club S.L. Benfica for a €500,000 transfer fee, replacing Chelsea-bound David Luiz. After two months of sporadic appearances, then manager Jorge Jesus dropped Sidnei and immediately inserted Jardel into the first team's starting lineup. On 28 April, he scored his first goal for the Lisbon side, in a 2–1 home win against S.C Braga for the campaign's UEFA Europa League…

As of match played 21 March 2021

Jardel acquired Portuguese citizenship in 2016.

Benfica

Primeira Liga: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19 Taça de Portugal: 2013–14, 2016–17 Taça da Liga: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2014, 2017, 2019 UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2012–13, 2013–14 Individual

Florianópolis City Council Medal of Sports Merit