When it comes to world football, Portugal has produced some exceptional talents over the years. And while they are still waiting for their first World Cup win. But no international competition is complete without the red and green colours of the European nation. So who are the greatest Portuguese player in football history? Today, let’s find out with Lodi646.
List of Greatest Portuguese Players in Football History
Countless Portuguese stars rejoice. The game is currently filled with players from the Iberian Peninsula. Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, would be considered one of the best players in the sport. But which of his compatriots deserves such recognition?
To address this issue, Lodi646 has compiled a list of the greatest Portuguese player in football history from the past to the present.
Nani
Seeing his career in decline. Some may be surprised to learn that in over 100 (or 112) appearances for Portugal, Nani also spent that time with the national team. Helping his country win just one major tournament.
The skillful winger started every game at Euro 2016. He scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist, cementing his status as Portugal’s greatest ever player. Had he not played alongside Ronaldo both at the national team and at Manchester United, Nani might have stood out more as a game-changer.
Surprisingly still playing at 37, the veteran will end his career with major honours in Portugal and England. He has also wowed the world with his club football in Turkey, Spain, Italy, the United States and Australia.
Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho is part of an exciting new generation of talent. He first appeared at Porto by winning the UEFA Cup and Champions League under Jose Mourinho, which led to individual awards such as Portuguese Player of the Year and UEFA Club Defender of the Year before moving to Chelsea for a big fee.
In England, his former manager soon followed him. A three-time Premier League winner, the talented defender was part of a Blues side that conceded just 15 goals all season. Considered one of the greatest teams in the history of the programme.
More honours would come for Spain at Real Madrid as he went on to help Portugal win Euro 2016 despite being left out of the squad. But Carvalho started all three group games. And of course picked up a winners’ medal.
Rui Costa
Rui Costa is synonymous with the greatest playmaker of his generation. The attacking midfielder knows how to tackle defences. Whether it’s with a careful pass or a quick dribble with his feet as he moves between defenders. He started and ended his career with Benfica. But won many trophies including the 2003 Champions League in Italy with Fiorentina and AC Milan.
He scored twice at Euro 2004, including in the quarter-final win over England. But he couldn’t help his team win. As they lost to Greece in the final. His appearance in the match was his last for his country as he retired shortly afterwards. He remains Portugal’s ninth most capped player and seventh highest goalscorer.
Mario Coluna
Mario Coluna, one of the best midfielders of his generation. Playing for Portugal from 1995 to 1968, he captained all of his national teams. The exception was one of their matches at the 1966 World Cup. When the Maricos team finished third. it was their best ever finish.
His club career is best remembered for his success with Benfica. Notably scoring in the European Cup finals that the club won in 1961 and 1962. With players such as Johan Cruyff, Jeff Hurst, Bobby Moore and Uwe Seele. His testimonial match showed how legendary Coluna was.
Luis Figo
Playing at the same time as Costa, Luis Figo is one of the best players to have ever played the game. After emerging as a top talent at Sporting Lisbon. He spent 10 years in Spain, split evenly and controversially with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2000. Florentino Perez decided Figo had to become part of his Galacticos team. Things didn’t go well, with the Barça faithful showing their affection with pig heads. But the winger is still going strong. With 57 goals and 93 assists in 245 appearances for Los Blancos. To put that into perspective, he was just as good. The 51-year-old won the Portuguese Footballer of the Year award six times in a row between 1995 and 2000.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite Eusebio’s beauty, there is only one winner on this list. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. Some even feel that he stands alone at number one. Although this is a matter of debate. But there is no doubt. He is the greatest player to ever play for Portugal.
This is proven by some simple statistics. For example, he has not only scored more goals for his country than anyone else. He has also scored more goals in the sport than anyone else. With over 870 official goals scored. Ronaldo scored six goals in seven games as he led his country to their first and only major championship at Euro 2016.
Silverware has followed him throughout his career. With five Champions League titles and league titles in England, Spain, Italy and five Ballons d’Or, CR7 has truly achieved success in football. It seems like his place on this list is almost unsurpassable.
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