André Gomes

André Filipe Tavares Gomes (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐ̃ˈdɾɛ ˈɣomɨʃ]; born 30 July 1993) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew.

He played three years at Benfica, where he won the domestic treble in the 2013–14 season. In July 2014 he joined Valencia and, two years later, signed with Barcelona also in the Spanish La Liga. Following a year on loan at Everton, he agreed to a permanent contract in 2019. He then joined Lille on loan for the 2022–23 season, before returning to the Ligue 1 club in 2024 on a two-year deal.

Gomes earned 37 caps for Portugal all youth levels accounted for, including six for the under-21s. He represented the nation at Euro 2016 – winning the tournament – and the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Club career

Benfica

Born in Grijó, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto District, Gomes joined Benfica's youth system at age 18, playing his last year as a junior with the Lisbon club. On 28 July 2012 he appeared in his first game with the first team, a friendly with Gil Vicente, and spent his first season as a senior with the reserve side, competing in the Segunda Liga.

Gomes scored his first goals with Benfica B in league matches against Braga B (2–2 home draw) and Belenenses (6–0, also at home). On 18 October 2012, he made his official debut with the main squad, playing 25 minutes after coming on as a substitute for Eduardo Salvio and netting in a 4–0 win at Freamunde in the Taça de Portugal.

Gomes' momentum in Benfica's first team continued on 27 October 2012, as he started and scored in a 3–0 away victory over Gil Vicente in his first Primeira Liga appearance. However, he continued to be mainly associated with the B team.