# Mário Jardel

> Brazilian footballer (born 1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q317863](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317863)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mário_Jardel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mario-jardel

## Summary
Mário Jardel was a Brazilian footballer who won the European Golden Shoe award in 1991, making him the first Brazilian to achieve this distinction. He was known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and played for clubs in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain during his career.

## Biography
- Born: September 18, 1973
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Winning the European Golden Shoe in 1991
- Employer(s): Various clubs including São Paulo FC, Sporting CP, and Real Betis
- Field(s): Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
- Won the European Golden Shoe in 1991, becoming the first Brazilian to receive this award.
- Played for multiple top-tier clubs in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain, contributing to their respective leagues.
- Active in association football during the 1990s and early 2000s.

## FAQs
**What awards did Mário Jardel receive?**
Mário Jardel won the European Golden Shoe in 1991, which is awarded to the top scorer of a season in UEFA competitions.

**For which clubs did Mário Jardel play?**
He played for São Paulo FC in Brazil, Sporting CP in Portugal, and Real Betis in Spain.

**When did Mário Jardel win the European Golden Shoe?**
He won the award in 1991, making him the first Brazilian to achieve this distinction.

## Why They Matter
Mário Jardel is notable for being the first Brazilian footballer to win the European Golden Shoe, a prestigious award recognizing top scorers in UEFA competitions. His achievement highlighted Brazil's growing influence in European football during the 1990s. His career also showcased the talent of Brazilian players in international leagues, paving the way for future stars.

## Notable For
- First Brazilian to win the European Golden Shoe (1991)
- Played for top-tier clubs in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain
- Active in association football during the 1990s and early 2000s

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mário Jardel was born on September 18, 1973, in Brazil. He began his professional career with São Paulo FC, one of Brazil's most prominent football clubs. His early performances caught the attention of European clubs, leading to his move to Sporting CP in Portugal.

### European Career and Achievements
In 1991, Mário Jardel won the European Golden Shoe, becoming the first Brazilian to achieve this distinction. The award recognized his outstanding goal-scoring ability during the season. He continued to play for Real Betis in Spain, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and prolific striker.

### Later Career and Retirement
After his successful European stint, Mário Jardel returned to Brazil and continued playing for various clubs. He retired from professional football in 2011, concluding a career marked by significant achievements in both Brazilian and European leagues.

### Legacy and Influence
Mário Jardel's career left a lasting impact on Brazilian football, inspiring future generations of players. His ability to excel in European competitions demonstrated the potential of Brazilian talent on an international stage. His win of the European Golden Shoe remains a notable milestone in Brazilian football history.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. UEFA.com
5. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation