Portugalโs soccer legacy is a captivating tale of triumph and skill. From Eusรฉbioโs Black Panther brilliance to Ronaldoโs goal-scoring extravaganza, Portuguese players have etched their names in soccer history.
In this article, weโll be looking at 10 of the best Portuguese soccer players of all time. Weโll explore legends like Eusรฉbio, Ronaldo, and Figo who redefined the game.
So, get ready! Stats, anecdotes, and a celebration of skill await as we journey through the ranks of the finest in Portuguese soccer.
10. Mรกrio Coluna
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 57 / 8
Club Level Apps/Goals: 383 / 91
Clubs: Benfica, Olympique Lyon
Starting the list of the best Portuguese soccer players of all time is the Benfica midfield maestro, Mario Coluna.
Often hailed as O Monstro Sagrado (The Sacred Monster), Coluna was a force to be reckoned with in the midfield.
Spending the majority of his career with Benfica, he made 364 appearances for the club, finding the back of the net 89 times across 16 seasons.
His impact goes beyond the club level, as Coluna proudly represented Portugal 57 times. Coluna is recognized not only as one of the best midfielders but also as one of the most talented Portuguese players of all time.
With an impressive tally of 19 major titles, including ten Primeira Liga championships and two European Cups, Colunaโs legacy is etched in both Benfica and Portuguese soccer lore.
9. Nani
Position: Left Winger
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 112 / 24 / 24
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 591 / 125 / 145
Clubs: Manchester United, Sporting CP, Orlando City, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Adana Demirspor, Melbourne Victory, Venezia
Nani was a player who dazzled with pace and skill and earned a remarkable 112 senior international appearances. At his peak, Nani had the world at his feet, and was considered the next big thing in Portugal.
Starting his journey with Sporting CP in 2003, Nani swiftly climbed the ranks, making his mark with a Portuguese Cup win in the 2006โ07 season. Manchester United took notice of his exceptional performances, securing him in 2007.
Naniโs time with the English club was nothing short of spectacular, winning four Premier League titles, the 2007โ08 UEFA Champions League, and more.
His journey continued with stints in Turkey and Spain before returning to Sporting in 2018.
On the international stage, Nani became a pivotal part of the Portuguese squad, representing his country in three European Championships and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His leadership shone in the Euro 2016 final, where, after Cristiano Ronaldoโs injury, Nani captained the team to a historic victory.
Now, in 2023, he continues his soccer journey with Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
8. Pepe
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 112 / 24 / 24
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 134 / 8 / 4
Clubs: Real Madrid, Porto, Marรญtimo, Besiktas
A formidable defender known for his aggressive style, Pepe isnโt one to shy away from a card or two for his fierce tackles. His intensity on the field is a trademark of his play, making him one of the most aggressive defenders in Portuguese soccer history.
But thereโs more to Pepe than just his fiery demeanor. During his prime at Real Madrid, he showcased exceptional skills, contributing significantly to the teamโs success. Now, with Porto, his wealth of experience continues to benefit the squad, emphasizing his value beyond the pitch.
His career spans across Marรญtimo, Porto, Real Madrid, and Beลiktaล, earning numerous individual and team accolades. With an impressive trophy cabinet that includes multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, Pepeโs prowess as one of the greatest defenders of his generation is undeniable.
Pepe has also earned 134 caps for Portugal national team and was a key figure in their triumph at Euro 2016.
7. Rui Patrรญcio
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 107 / 53
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 715 / 266
Clubs: Sporting CP, Wolves, AS Roma
Continuing with our list of the Best Portuguese soccer players of all time, on the 7th position is the goalkeeper Rui Patricio. Fondly nicknamed โSรฃo Patrรญcioโ (Saint Patrรญcio), heโs celebrated for his remarkable saves for both his country and clubs.
A product of Sporting CPโs youth academy, Patrรญcio made his mark early, debuting in the first team at just 18. In his 12-year stint with Sporting CP, he amassed 467 official appearances, clinching five trophies, including two Portuguese Cups.
His journey took him to England in 2018, where he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2021 he moved to AS Roma under Jose Mourinho and won the Europa Conference League in his first season.
Patrรญcioโs international journey is equally impressive. He earned his first cap for Portugal in 2010 and reached his 100th in 2021. A mainstay in goal for Portugal, heโs been a solid presence between the posts in three World Cups and four European Championships. He helped the team clinch victories in the 2016 Euros and the 2019 Nations League.
6. Ricardo Carvalho
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 89 / 5 / 2
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 572 / 22 / 13
Clubs: Chelsea, Monaco, FC Porto, Real Madrid, Alverca, Vitรณria Setรบbal
Just missing out on the top 5 on our list is Ricardo Carvalho, although heโs easily one of the best defenders in the last twenty years. Unlike the rough and tumble style of Pepe, Carvalhoโs finesse was evident in his ability to gracefully waltz away with the ball.
Starting his career at Porto, Carvalho enjoyed early success under Jose Mourinho, winning several domestic and European trophies. He followed Mourinho to Chelsea in 2004, where he secured two consecutive Premier League titles and a League Cup. He also won the Chelseaโs Playersโ Player of the Year award in 2008.
After a successful stint at Chelsea, he made a move to Real Madrid in 2010 before a free transfer to Monaco in 2013.
On the international stage, Carvalho was a stalwart for Portugal, representing the nation in three UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups. Notably, he played a crucial role in Portugalโs journey to the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
5. Rui Costa
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 94 / 26 / 20
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 557 / 76 / 106
Clubs: Fiorentina, AC Milan, Benfica
In at number 5 is the Portuguese attacking midfielder Rui Costa. Gifted with phenomenal talent, he carved a legacy thatโs hard to dispute as one of the best the soccer world has ever witnessed.
Known as โThe Maestroโ, Costaโs career unfolded across Benfica, Fiorentina, and AC Milan, spanning an impressive 17 years. His trophy cabinet boasts a Primeira Liga title, Serie A title, UEFA Champions League, and more.
On the international stage, he earned 94 caps for Portugal, representing Portugal in three UEFA European Championships and a FIFA World Cup.
His attacking prowess, impeccable technique, and goal-scoring ability from midfield earned a spot among the 125 greatest living soccer players, recognized by Pelรฉ in 2004.
4. Deco
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 75 / 5 / 19
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 510 / 78 / 168
Clubs: FC Porto, Barcelona, Fluminense, Chelsea
Anderson Luis de Souza, or Deco as he is commonly known, was one of the best midfielders of his generation, and of course, one of the best Portuguese soccer players of all time.
Born in Brazil but a Portuguese citizen, Decoโs midfield brilliance earned him a lasting legacy in the world of soccer.
Decoโs triumphs include UEFA Champions League triumphs with both Porto in 2004 and Barcelona in 2006, a feat achieved by few. Named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, Best Midfielder, and Man of the Match in the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final, Decoโs impact was undeniable.
His accolades also include being the first player to win the UEFA Best Midfielder Award with two clubs, Porto and Barcelona.
Having earned Portuguese citizenship in 2002, Deco chose to represent Portugal internationally, earning 75 caps. His contributions led Portugal to the Euro 2004 final and a fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup.
Today, he continues to influence the soccer world as a sporting director at Barcelona.
3. Luรญs Figo
Position: Right Winger
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 127 / 32 / 46
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 660 / 123 / 191
Clubs: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Sporting CP
It was a tough choice between the No. 3 and No. 2 in the list. Luis Figo couldโve easily been on the number 2 spot but heโll have to be content with being the 3rd greatest Portuguese soccer player of all time on this one.
When Luis Figo made the jaw-dropping move from Barcelona to arch-rivals Real Madrid, fans couldnโt handle the intensity. Los Blancos managed to acquire the Portuguese superstar for a then world record fee of โฌ62 million. This transfer causing seismic waves in the soccer world and to this day remains one of the most controversial sagas in history.
However, with 127 caps for the Portugal national team, Figoโs legacy extends beyond club rivalries. As one of the best players of his generation, his 106 assists in La Liga history are second only to Lionel Messi. Winning the 2000 Ballon dโOr and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year, Figoโs talent was recognized globally. He was also named in Pelรฉโs FIFA 100 list.
Figoโs illustrious career boasts a trophy cabinet filled with domestic and international honors. He won competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Serie A titles, and more.
Internationally, Figo captained Portugal to the final at Euro 2004 and the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup.
2. Eusรฉbio
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 64 / 41 / 2
Club Level Apps/Goals: 577 / 582
Clubs: Benfica, Sporting Lourenรงo Marques, Toronto Metros-Croatia, Las Vegas Quicksilvers
On the 2nd place in our list of the best Portuguese soccer players of all time is Eusรฉbio da Silva Ferreira. Also known as โthe Black Panther,โ Eusebio stands tall as one of the greatest Portuguese soccer players of all time.
Born in Maputo, Mozambique, he was renowned for his speed, technique, athleticism, and lethal right-footed shot that saw him score a remarkable 733 goals in 745 professional matches.
On the international stage, Eusรฉbio helped Portugal to third place at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, finishing as the tournamentโs top goalscorer with nine goals. His individual accolades include winning the Ballon dโOr in 1965 and being a runner-up in 1962 and 1966.
At Benfica, he etched his name in history as the all-time top scorer, contributing to eleven Primeira Liga titles and a European Cup.
Beyond the pitch, Eusรฉbio became a soccer ambassador, recognized globally as one of the sportโs icons. His impact is immortalized in lists and polls, with Pelรฉ naming him among the 125 best living footballers and UEFA honoring him as the Golden Player of Portugal.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 205 / 128 / 46
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 992 / 738 / 236
Clubs: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Sporting CP, Juventus, Al Nassr
Well, no surprise here โ the numero uno spot belongs to the genetically engineered soccer phenomenon, Cristiano Ronaldo. If you had to craft the perfect player, chances are theyโd look a lot like Ronaldo.
Widely hailed as one of the greatest ever, heโs snagged five Ballon dโOr awards, three UEFA Menโs Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes โ a feat unmatched by any European player.
Ronaldoโs trophy cabinet is practically overflowing with 34 career victories, including league titles, UEFA Champions Leagues, and even international triumphs like the UEFA European Championship and Nations League.
Heโs not just rewriting record books; heโs creating a whole new chapter. From Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, Ronaldoโs journey is a trophy-laden saga.
With more than 850 official career goals, heโs the all-time top scorer in soccer history โ a living legend of the beautiful game. And if thatโs not enough, heโs the first soccer player to hit the $1 billion career earnings milestone, securing his place not just on the field but also in the annals of sports history.
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