João Alves

Born in Chaves, Alves started his senior career at his hometown club G.D. Chaves, making his debut in the Primeira Liga on 15 November 1998 in a 1–2 home loss against U.D. Leiria after coming in as a substitute in the 63rd minute. He appeared in a further nine league matches during that season, with the northerners eventually being relegated after finishing 17th. In 2004–05, having spent five additional campaigns with Chaves in the Segunda Liga, Alves joined S.C. Braga, his first league appearance occurring on 14 November 2004 in a 0–0 draw at Leiria. After some solid performances to help the Minho to the fourth position, he moved to Sporting CP on a three-year contract. After appearing just twice for Sporting in 2006–07, Alves signed a three-year deal with Vitória S.C. in July 2007, with Sporting keeping half of the player's rights. In his first year, he only missed one league game as his team came straight from the second division into a final third place. Alves made an average of 23 league appearances in the following three seasons, and on 20 June 2011 he replaced veteran Flávio Meireles as club captain.

On 17 August 2005, Alves made his debut for the Portugal national team, making an assist for Hélder Postiga in a 2–0 friendly win over Egypt.

Club

Sporting CP

Taça de Portugal: 2006–07 Omonia

Cypriot Super Cup: 2012 Portugal

UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 1999