David Simão


David Martins Simão is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva F.C. on loan from AEK Athens FC.

Club career

Born in Versailles, France, Simão played most of his youth career at S.L. Benfica, having arrived at the age of 10 from Grupo Instrução Musical Desportiva Abóboda. On 19 January 2008 he was called to the first team for a Portuguese Cup game against C.D. Feirense, courtesy of manager José Antonio Camacho, and was even picked to both UEFA Cup round-of-16 matches against Getafe CF, not being used however in any of the three matches.
Simão made his professional debut with C.D. Fátima, on loan, his first appearance being against C.D. Santa Clara in the 2009–10 season opener in the second division, a 0–1 loss. On 26 September 2009 he scored his first goal for the side, in a 1–1 away draw to Gil Vicente FC.
On 17 June 2010, Simão moved to F.C. Paços de Ferreira, still on loan. He made his Primeira Liga debut on 14 August in a 1–0 home win over Sporting CP, and only missed five league games during the campaign as the team finished in seventh position.
Simão returned to Benfica for 2011–12 but, deemed surplus to requirements by manager Jorge Jesus, he moved to fellow league side Académica de Coimbra again on loan, on 17 January 2012. He scored his first goal for his new club on 26 March, netting from 40 yards in a 1–2 loss at S.C. Braga.
On 31 July 2012, Simão was loaned to C.S. Marítimo in a season-long move. He terminated his contract with Benfica late into June of the following year, and signed a three-year deal with F.C. Arouca also in the top flight.
Aged 26, Simão moved abroad for the first time in his career, joining First Professional Football League club PFC CSKA Sofia. On 28 May 2017 he netted twice in The Eternal Derby to help overcome PFC Levski Sofia 3–0, but left on 31 August of that year to immediately sign with Boavista FC.
Simão moved teams and countries again in January 2019, agreeing to a contract at Royal Antwerp F.C. of the Belgian First Division A. On 22 June, he switched to the Super League Greece with AEK Athens FC, signing until 2022 for an undisclosed fee.

Personal life

Simão's older brother, Bruno, was also a footballer, in the defender position.

Club statistics

Honours

Académica
Hapoel Be'er Sheva
Individual