In the history of Italian football, there have been many notable players who have left their mark on the game. But few have had as much success and impact as the Portuguese midfielder, Joao Moutinho, who joined Juventus in 2015 and became an integral part of the team’s dominance in the following years. In his five-year stint with the Turin club, Moutinho helped them win five trophies, cementing his place as one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and white jersey.
Moutinho’s journey to Juventus began in 2015 when the club signed him from Portuguese side Porto for a reported fee of €30 million. At that time, he was already an established player in Europe, having won three league titles and a Europa League trophy with Porto. But it was at Juventus where he truly flourished and solidified his status as one of the best midfielders in the world.
From the very beginning, Moutinho made an immediate impact at Juventus. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game were evident in every match he played. Alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, he formed a formidable midfield trio that was instrumental in Juventus’ success in the next few years.
In his first season with the club, Moutinho helped Juventus win the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and reach the final of the Champions League. Although they lost to Barcelona in the final, Moutinho’s performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, and he was named in the UEFA Team of the Year. His partnership with Pogba in midfield was hailed as one of the best in Europe, and many saw him as the perfect replacement for the aging Andrea Pirlo.
The following season, Moutinho continued to excel and was a crucial part of Juventus’ record-breaking campaign. They won their fifth consecutive Serie A title and also completed a domestic double by winning the Coppa Italia. Moutinho’s composure on the ball, his ability to control the midfield, and his eye for a killer pass were crucial in helping Juventus dominate their opponents.
But it was in the 2017/2018 season when Moutinho truly showed his worth to Juventus. In the absence of Pogba, who had left the club, he took on more responsibility and became the leader in midfield. He led by example, scoring crucial goals and providing key assists, and was named the Serie A Footballer of the Year. Juventus also won the domestic double for the third consecutive year, with Moutinho playing a significant role in their success.
The 2018/2019 season saw Juventus make history by winning their eighth consecutive Serie A title, and Moutinho played a significant role in their achievement. His partnership with Miralem Pjanic was pivotal in the team’s success, and many experts believed that he was at the peak of his career during this period. He also won his fourth Coppa Italia title with the club, cementing his status as a legend among the Juventus faithful.
In Moutinho’s final season with Juventus, he helped the club achieve the unprecedented feat of winning nine consecutive Serie A titles. He was the lynchpin of the team’s midfield, and his experience and leadership were invaluable to the younger players in the squad. He also scored some crucial goals, including a sensational free-kick against Inter Milan, which helped Juventus secure another Coppa Italia trophy.
After five successful years at Juventus, Moutinho left the club in 2020 to join his former manager, Jose Mourinho, at Tottenham Hotspur. During his time at Juventus, he made 239 appearances and scored 31 goals, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, Joao Moutinho’s time at Juventus was nothing short of exceptional. He joined the club as a talented midfielder and left as a legend, having won five trophies and cementing his place as one of the greatest players to ever grace the club. His achievements on the field and his contribution to the team’s success will forever be remembered by the Juventus faithful, and he will always be a part of the club’s rich history.
