Portugal may be a relatively small country compared to some of the powerhouses in world football, but it has consistently produced extraordinary talent that has made an impact on the global stage. The nation has a rich soccer history, boasting some of the most skillful and successful players the game has ever seen. From the explosive winger to the creative midfielder, and the goal-scoring legend, Portuguese football has seen it all. This article delves into the careers of the 10 greatest soccer players in Portugal, considering their positions, clubs, achievements, and contributions to the national team.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
- Achievements:
- Real Madrid: 2 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles.
- Manchester United: 3 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 1 FA Cup.
- Juventus: 2 Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia.
- Portugal: 2016 UEFA European Championship, 2019 UEFA Nations League.
- Individual: 5 Ballon d’Ors, 4 European Golden Shoes, all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history, has defined an era of success for both club and country. With his incredible goal-scoring ability, physical prowess, and unmatched determination, Ronaldo has established numerous records, including being the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League and the all-time top scorer for Portugal. Ronaldo’s individual accolades are countless, including five Ballon d’Or awards. Internationally, he led Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, adding to his legendary status.
2. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Benfica
- Achievements:
- Benfica: 11 Primeira Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title (1962).
- Portugal: 14 caps, 9 goals, 1966 FIFA World Cup Third Place.
- Individual: 1965 Ballon d’Or runner-up, 1966 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot.
Eusébio is an icon of Portuguese football and one of the most gifted forwards in the history of the sport. Known as the “Black Panther,” he was a clinical striker with remarkable pace and an impeccable finishing ability. Eusébio enjoyed a legendary career at Benfica, winning numerous domestic titles and the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1962. His crowning achievement came at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and helped Portugal finish in third place. His impact on the sport and Portugal’s footballing legacy is monumental.
3. Luís Figo
- Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
- Clubs: Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan
- Achievements:
- Real Madrid: 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 Copa del Rey titles.
- Barcelona: 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
- Inter Milan: 5 Serie A titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title.
- Portugal: 127 caps, 32 goals, 1 UEFA European Championship Final.
- Individual: 1 Ballon d’Or (2000), 2 UEFA Best Player in Europe awards.
Luís Figo was one of the most skillful and influential wingers of his generation. With his exceptional dribbling, vision, and creativity, Figo became one of the top players in both La Liga and Serie A. After rising through the ranks at Sporting CP, he played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, where he enjoyed tremendous success. On the international front, Figo represented Portugal in several major tournaments, including the 2004 UEFA European Championship, where they finished as runners-up. Figo won the Ballon d’Or in 2000 and was a key figure for both his clubs and the Portuguese national team.
4. Ricardo Carvalho
- Position: Center-back
- Clubs: Porto, Chelsea, Monaco
- Achievements:
- Chelsea: 3 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 FA Cups.
- Porto: 2 Primeira Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title (2004).
- Portugal: 89 caps, 5 goals, 1 UEFA European Championship Final.
- Individual: UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season (2004), Premier League Player of the Month (2007).
Ricardo Carvalho was a highly respected central defender known for his tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and ability to read the game. After a successful spell at Porto, Carvalho moved to Chelsea, where he became one of the most important defensive players in the Premier League, helping the team win three league titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy. Carvalho was also a key figure for Portugal in their run to the final of the 2004 UEFA European Championship and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
5. Fernando Peyroteo
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Sporting CP
- Achievements:
- Sporting CP: 9 Primeira Liga titles, 4 Taca de Portugal titles.
- Individual: 2nd all-time top scorer in Sporting CP’s history, 1st all-time goals per game ratio in the Primeira Liga.
Fernando Peyroteo, one of the best goal scorers in Portuguese history, was a prolific forward who made a significant impact at Sporting CP. He played during the 1940s and 1950s, and his goal-scoring record was exceptional, with an average of more than one goal per game in the Primeira Liga. He helped lead Sporting CP to several domestic titles and is remembered as a club legend. His remarkable contribution to Portuguese football in the mid-20th century remains legendary.
6. Nani
- Position: Winger
- Clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, Lazio
- Achievements:
- Manchester United: 4 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 FA Community Shields.
- Portugal: 112 caps, 24 goals, 1 UEFA European Championship (2016).
- Individual: 2016 UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament.
Nani was an explosive winger known for his speed, dribbling, and flair. After rising through the ranks at Sporting CP, he moved to Manchester United, where he enjoyed a successful spell, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. Nani was a key player in Portugal’s victorious 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign, contributing both goals and assists throughout the tournament. His skill and leadership helped Portugal secure their first-ever major international trophy.
7. Rui Costa
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Clubs: Benfica, Fiorentina, AC Milan
- Achievements:
- AC Milan: 1 Serie A title, 2 UEFA Champions League titles.
- Benfica: 5 Primeira Liga titles, 2 Taca de Portugal titles.
- Portugal: 94 caps, 26 goals, 1 UEFA European Championship Final.
- Individual: 1 Portuguese Footballer of the Year award.
Rui Costa was one of the finest playmakers to ever come out of Portugal. His vision, passing range, and ability to orchestrate attacks made him a key figure at clubs like Fiorentina, AC Milan, and Benfica. For Portugal, Rui Costa was an influential figure in the midfield, playing pivotal roles in major international tournaments, including the 2004 UEFA European Championship, where Portugal finished as runners-up. His technical ability and elegance on the ball earned him widespread admiration.
8. José Altafini
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Milan, Juventus, Napoli
- Achievements:
- AC Milan: 2 Serie A titles, 2 Coppa Italia titles.
- Juventus: 1 Serie A title.
- Portugal: 15 caps, 1 goal.
José Altafini was born in Brazil but represented Portugal during his international career. He was a lethal forward and enjoyed success in Italy with AC Milan and Juventus, winning domestic and European trophies. Though his international career with Portugal was brief, Altafini’s club achievements were noteworthy, and his legacy as one of the most accomplished forwards of his time is indisputable.
9. Paulo Futre
- Position: Winger
- Clubs: Sporting CP, Atlético Madrid, Marseille, AC Milan
- Achievements:
- Atlético Madrid: 1 Copa del Rey, 1 UEFA Cup.
- Portugal: 41 caps, 5 goals.
- Individual: 1987 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final Man of the Match.
Paulo Futre was one of the most talented wingers of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his speed, dribbling, and creativity, Futre played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Atlético Madrid and Marseille. He was a key figure for Portugal in their 1980s campaigns and helped Atlético Madrid win the 1991 UEFA Cup. Futre’s flair and technical ability made him one of the best Portuguese players of his generation.
10. Pepe
- Position: Center-back
- Clubs: Porto, Real Madrid
- Achievements:
- Real Madrid: 3 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles.
- Portugal: 129 caps, 7 goals, 1 UEFA European Championship (2016).
- Individual: 1 UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.
Pepe is a veteran central defender known for his physicality, aggression, and leadership on the field. His defensive solidity was pivotal to both Portugal’s and Real Madrid’s success over the years. He won multiple domestic and European titles with Real Madrid, including three UEFA Champions League trophies. On the international stage, Pepe was instrumental in Portugal’s 2016 UEFA European Championship victory, and his defensive prowess made him a key figure in their success.
Conclusion
Portugal has produced some of the most talented and successful players in the history of football. From the legendary Eusébio and Luís Figo to modern icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, these players have shaped the sport at both the club and international levels. Their skills, determination, and achievements have made Portugal a force to be reckoned with on the global stage, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of footballers. The 10 players mentioned here have etched their names into the history books, not only as the greatest Portuguese players but as some of the finest the world has ever seen.
