The soccer players from Portugal have made a mark in the industry, securing top positions in various clubs and national teams. Some individuals born in Portugal have then moved to other countries to pursue their professional careers. Below are some of the Portugal best soccer player compiled by bestsoccertips.com.
Who is the best soccer player in Portugal?
These talented players have impressive records in their national teams and beyond. Here are the top 10 greatest Portuguese players:
10. Deco
Anderson Luis de Souza, born on August 27, 1977, has played as a midfielder for renowned clubs such as Porto, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Fluminense.
Deco is a former midfielder who played for clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2004 and 2006. Deco was the first player to win UEFA’s Best Midfielder award. In 2004, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting.
The former soccer player also represented Portugal in two World Cups (2006 and 2008). While playing for Barcelona, Deco was awarded the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball in 2006 and the Man of the Match award in the final. He is one of the great Portuguese soccer players who retired from professional football in August 2013.
9. Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Alberto Silveira de Carvalho, born on May 18, 1978, has showcased his defensive skills for various prestigious clubs including Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Monaco, and Shanghai PSG.
Former defender Ricardo Carvalho is one of the greatest Portuguese players of all time. He played a crucial role in helping Porto win the Champions League in 2004. During his time at Chelsea from 2004 to 2010, Carvalho scored 11 goals in 210 appearances. Additionally, he won 2 Premier League titles and 1 League Cup. He then moved on to Real Madrid, Monaco, and Shanghai PSG. Ricardo also represented his country at the FIFA World Cup.
8. Pepe
Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, born on February 26, 1983, has played as a defender for prominent teams such as Porto and Real Madrid. Pepe is a retired defender and one of the finest defenders of his era. This 40-year-old player is one of the greatest Portuguese footballers who dedicated his career to Porto, Real Madrid, and the Portuguese national team. He secured two Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title in 2004.
Later, he joined Real Madrid, where he clinched three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and three UEFA Champions League titles. He appeared in over 130 matches for the Portuguese national team.
7. Nani
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, born on November 17, 1986, has made his mark as a versatile winger for several distinguished clubs throughout his career, notably including Fenerbahce SK, Lazio, Valencia CF, and Manchester United.
Nani is one of the outstanding Portuguese players who began playing at the age of 9. He became the youngest member of the UEFA U21 Championship in 2006. Later, he played for the senior national team of Portugal, making 112 appearances before joining Sporting CP’s youth team. This athlete has also represented his country at FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships.
6. Paulo Futre
Paulo Jorge dos Santos Futre, born on February 28, 1966, has etched his legacy as a dynamic winger, gracing the ranks of esteemed clubs such as Sporting CP, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United throughout his illustrious career.
Paulo Futre is one of the former Portuguese football stars born in 1966, starting his career in 1983 at the age of 17. He won the Spanish Cup consecutively for two years with Atletico Madrid. Additionally, Futre won the Portuguese Player of the Year award in 1986 and 1987. He also represented his homeland, earning over 40 caps in UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup.
5. Vitor Baia
Vítor Manuel Martins Baía, born on October 15, 1969, has been a stalwart presence as a goalkeeper for revered clubs Porto and Barcelona during his distinguished career.
Retired goalkeeper Vitor Baia is one of the most famous Portuguese footballers. He had a professional career with Porto and Barcelona, playing as a goalkeeper. He secured 26 championships with Porto and served the team as an ambassador.
Moreover, he played for the Portuguese national team in two European Championships and the FIFA World Cup 2002. In 2015, EA Sports announced this renowned goalkeeper as part of FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Legends alongside other former players.
4. Mário Coluna
Mário Esteves Coluna, whose full name resonates through football history, was born on August 6, 1935, and sadly departed on February 25, 2014. He graced the field as a midfield maestro for the iconic Benfica throughout his illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable skill and dedication.
Mário Coluna, often known as the “Sacred Monster,” was one of the famous Portuguese footballers who predominantly devoted his career to Benfica, making over 525 appearances with 127 goals. He also scored 8 goals in 57 matches for the Portuguese national team. Coluna passed away in 2014 after battling lung infection.
3. Eusebio
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, born on January 25, 1942, and passing away on January 5, 2014, was a legendary forward whose name echoes through football history. He mesmerized audiences with his electrifying skill and goal-scoring prowess while donning the jersey of Benfica, etching his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Eusebio, also known as “The Black Panther,” was one of the greatest black Portuguese footballers who played for Benfica and the Portuguese national team. He is remembered as Benfica’s greatest player, scoring 733 goals in 745 matches. He was the top scorer at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, with 9 goals, helping his team finish third. Eusebio passed away in 2014 after battling heart failure.
2. Luis Figo
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo, born on November 4, 1972, stands as a towering figure in football lore, known for his dynamic presence and masterful skill on the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he graced the ranks of prestigious clubs including Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, leaving an enduring legacy as a midfield maestro revered by fans worldwide.
Luis Figo is undoubtedly one of the legendary Portuguese footballers and one of the greatest players of his era. The 50-year-old player has the second-highest assists in La Liga history (106). Figo also represented his country in Euro and World Cup tournaments. Highlights of his career include:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born on February 5, 1985, has carved his name into football history as one of the greatest forwards of all time. With stints at Sporting CP, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s illustrious career has been defined by his unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest Portuguese footballers of all time, playing for top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United. He has won 5 Ballon d’Or awards and 4 European Golden Shoes, the highest numbers for any European player.
Ronaldo has scored over 800 goals in his professional career after 1,100 appearances. He has won more than 32 trophies and is one of the highest-paid footballers.
Conclude
In the world of football, excellence of players is often measured by their influence and achievements on the field. Among the most outstanding talents from Portugal, names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Eusebio stand out prominently. Cristiano Ronaldo, with his relentless drive and talent, has built a career of unparalleled success, boasting numerous individual accolades and team triumphs. Luis Figo, known for his creativity and leadership, has left his mark on several top European clubs. Eusebio, with his scoring prowess and fighting spirit, has become an icon of Portuguese football. These players are not only sources of pride for their nation but also legends of the global football community.
See more: List of the best number 9 soccer players of all time
