Sport
Sporting Lisbon’s greatest ever prospects
With football so passionately followed across the nation, it isn’t surprising to see Portuguese sides regularly producing top talents. However, few sides have produced as many legends as what Sporting Lisbon has. Being one of the big three sides in Portuguese football, Sporting have often enjoyed plenty of success but have seen some of their biggest stars jump ship to bigger European sides in a quest to find superstardom. The academy has a rich alumni list that includes players that have won the Ballon D’Or and many names that have gone on to win trophies galore. So who are the greatest talents to emerge from Sporting Lisbon down the years?
Nani
A tricky winger that could shine on either side of the pitch, Nani has had a glittering football career. Graduating from Sporting’s academy in 2005, Nani showcased his flair and creativity in over 50 appearances for the club. This brought a high-profile move to England in 2007 when he joined Manchester United. Whilst at Old Trafford, Nani won 5 Premier League titles and regularly carved open defences notching up goals and assists with ease. His 9 goals in the 2010/11 season saw him named United’s Player of the Season underlining his success. Having also won the Champions League and Club World Cup with United, Nani can say that he has had a truly glittering career in the modern game.
Paulo Futre
One of the first big names to emerge from the Sporting Academy, Paulo Future was a player that never disappointed fans when he was on the ball. Known for his explosive turns of pace, Future could easily turn defences inside out once he got moving. It was this form that saw him leave Sporting in 1984 and enjoy successful spells with both Porto and Atletico Madrid. During his time with Atletico, Futre scored 8 goals in the 1986/87 season that earned him runner-up spot in the 1987 Ballon D’Or vote. Having also been named Portuguese Footballer of the Year twice in the 1980s, Futre’s drive and pace was something that many fans still admire to this very day.
Rui Patricio
Whilst most academy players left Sporting early in their careers, Rui Patricio stayed loyal to his hometown side. Known for spectacular saves and consistent performances, Patricio became one of the stars of the squad for much of the 2000s and 2010s. During this time, Patricio made over 327 appearances for the club winning 3 Portuguese cup titles during this time. His excellent form also saw him named Primeira Liga Keeper of the Year on two occasions to underline his regular highlights. After Sporting had a financial crisis in 2018, he left to join English side Wolves and then Italian side Roma later in his career. Having also won Euro 2016 and earn 100 caps for Portugal, there’s no doubt that Rui Patricio remains one of the best keepers of the modern day era.
Luis Figo
For many, there are few players who could match the craft and form that Luis Figo produced when he was on the pitch. Figo’s ability to turn players inside out and float in mesmerizing passes made him one of the best wingers of all-time. It was with Sporting where Figo emerged debuting in 1989. Figo’s form was relatively low-key in Portugal scoring just five goals but that all changed following a move to Barcelona in 1995. From here, Figo was always at the cutting-edge of the side as proven by his 9 goal tally in the 1999-2000 season. This form bought a heated move to Real Madrid in 2000 where Figo hit his prime form. Becoming a regular goalscorer, Figo scored over 50 goals for Real as he shone in a team that was littered with talent. It was this form that saw Figo named Portuguese Footballer of the Year 7 years in a row from 1995-2000 where he also won the Ballon D’Or prize in 2000. Having also been named Fifa World Player of the Year in 2001, there are few who have been as deadly with the ball as Luis Figo.
Cristiano Ronaldo
When Cristiano Ronaldo debuted for Sporting Lisbon in 2002, it was immediately known that a star was born. It was why Manchester United were desperate to sign him in 2003 seeing the potential that was there. Since then, Ronaldo’s form has been legendary. Having won titles galore with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, there’s almost nothing Ronaldo hasn’t won. Having smashed record with ease, Ronaldo holds almost every major Portuguese record as well as made the most international appearances of any player on record. Throw in multiple Ballon D’Or titles and even a European Championship, Ronaldo is easily one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
