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The national collection · POR

Portugal

A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations 0 / 11

Fill all 11 positions to share your XI.

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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Portugal.

The 33 of Portugal.

Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.

01 Cristiano Ronaldo 234 caps (Portugal) · 146 goals · Sporting CP, Manchester United · 5× Ballon d'OrThe Juventus crowd stood and applauded a Real Madrid player on 3 April 2018, after he rose 2.31 metres in their own stadium and hooked an overhead kick past their goalkeeper.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Preferred foot · checked 4 October 2026
Honours · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q11571
LM2003–2026
02 Eusébio 64 caps (Portugal) · 41 goals · C.D. Maxaquene, S.L. Benfica · 1× Ballon d'OrThe 'Black Panther' remains one of football's most prolific strikers, his blistering pace and devastating shot powering Benfica to European glory and Portugal to third at the 1966 World Cup.
Career sourcesHonours · checked 4 October 2026
Career dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q162043
SS1961–1973
03 Luís Figo 127 caps (Portugal) · 32 goals · Sporting CP, FC Barcelona · 1× Ballon d'OrThe F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid legend was a mesmerising winger whose dazzling dribbling, pinpoint crosses, and leadership earned him the 2000 Ballon d'Or.
Career sourcesHonours · checked 4 October 2026
Career dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q483145
RM1991–2006
04 MC Mário Coluna 57 caps (Portugal) · 8 goals · Grupo Desportivo de Maputo, S.L. BenficaThe 'Monstro Sagrado' was the heartbeat of Benfica's European conquests in the 1960s, a powerful, elegant midfielder who dictated play and scored vital goals.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q705585
CM1955–1968
05 Deco 75 caps (Portugal) · 5 goals · FC Porto, FC Barcelona
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q659634
CM2003–2010
06 Pepe 141 caps (Portugal) · Marítimo, PortoA warrior at the heart of the defence, known for his aggressive style, leadership, and crucial role in Portugal's Euro 2016 victory and Real Madrid's multiple Champions League successes.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q485697
CB2007–2024
07 RC Rui Costa 94 caps (Portugal) · 26 goals · S.L. Benfica, ACF FiorentinaThe 'Maestro' graced Serie A with his elegant playmaking, a true číslo 10 whose creative genius unlocked defences for Fiorentina and AC Milan.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q190608
CAM1993–2004
08 Bernardo Silva 107 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Portugal) · 14 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · AS Monaco, Manchester CityThe 'Little Magician' weaves intricate patterns, his sublime dribbling and incisive passes pulling strings for Manchester City and Portugal.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q15521306
CAM2015–
09 Fernando Peyroteo 20 caps (Portugal) · 14 goals · Sporting CP, C.F. Os BelenensesAn absolute goal machine, his prolific record for Sporting CP in the 1930s and 40s established him as one of Portugal's all-time deadliest finishers.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q945064
ST1938–1949
10 José Águas 25 caps (Portugal) · 11 goals · Lusitano Lobito, BenficaBern, 31 May 1961: the captain Portugal called Cabeça de Ouro, golden head, put Benfica ahead in the 30th minute against Barcelona, his eleventh goal of a European Cup he finished as top scorer.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1340083
ST1952–1962
11 NM Nuno Mendes Portugal leaned on him in the Munich final of the 2025 Nations League: he scored the equaliser against Spain, stayed with Lamine Yamal down that flank all night, and buried his kick in the shootout.About the editorial selection LB
12 PF Paulo Futre 41 caps (Portugal) · 6 goals · Sporting CP, FC PortoA winger of explosive pace and dazzling dribbling, his electrifying runs down the flank were a highlight for Porto and Atlético Madrid in the 80s and 90s.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q363829
SS1983–1995
13 Ricardo Carvalho 89 caps (Portugal) · FC Porto, ChelseaThe elegant centre-back was a tactical master, renowned for his astute positioning and calm play under pressure during Porto, Chelsea, and Real Madrid's trophy-laden eras.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q570811
CB2003–2016
14 BF Bruno Fernandes 88 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Portugal) · 29 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Udinese Calcio, Sporting CPA talismanic figure for club and country, his breathtaking vision, audacious long-range strikes, and penalty prowess make him a devastating playmaking force.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q4979316
CM2017–
15 FC Fernando Couto 110 caps (Portugal) · Parma Calcio 1913, FC BarcelonaA physically imposing defender, his aerial dominance and commanding presence solidified backlines for Portugal, Lazio, and Parma during a stellar career.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q313468
CB1990–2004
16 JA José Augusto Inside the opening two minutes against Hungary at Old Trafford on 13 July 1966, the man they called the Portuguese Garrincha headed Portugal in front from a corner, and he scored again after the break.About the editorial selection RM
17 Rúben Dias 74 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Portugal) · Benfica, Manchester CityHis first season at Manchester City turned a leaky back line into the meanest defence in England, and the football writers voted him Footballer of the Year, the first defender to take it in 32 years.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q21621168
CB2018–
18 VB Vítor Baía 80 caps (Portugal) · FC Porto, FC Barcelona
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q295887
GK1990–2002
19 HC Humberto Coelho 64 caps (Portugal) · S.L. Benfica, Paris Saint-GermainThe towering centre-back was a dominant presence for Benfica and Portugal, known for his aerial prowess and leadership in the 1960s and 70s.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q730529
CB1968–1983
20 João Moutinho 146 caps (Portugal) · 7 goals · Sporting CP, AS MonacoA midfield general with an encyclopaedic understanding of the game, his precise passing and relentless energy anchored Portugal's Euro 2016 victory.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q222151
CM2005–2022
21 JP João Pinto 81 caps (Portugal) · Boavista, Atlético MadrileñoThe marauding right-back was a vital part of Porto's dominant 1987 European Cup-winning side, blending tireless runs with defensive solidity.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q351972
RB1991–2002
22 Nani 112 caps (Portugal) · 24 goals · Sporting CP, Manchester UnitedA dazzling showman with explosive pace and a bag of tricks, he was a key component of Manchester United's attacking flair and title successes.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q482947
RM2006–2017
23 P Pauleta 88 caps (Portugal) · 47 goals · UD Salamanca, FC Girondins de BordeauxO Fantasma was a prolific, powerful poacher, whose deadly instinct saw him bag over 250 goals across stints in France and Spain.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q218165
ST1997–2006
24 PS Paulo Sousa 52 caps (Portugal) · S.L. Benfica, Sporting CPA linchpin in two Champions League-winning midfields, his astute positioning and unflappable temperament made him a formidable defensive shield.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q314440
CDM1991–2002
25 Rui Patrício 108 caps (Portugal) · Sporting CP, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q294980
GK2010–2024
26 SS Simão Sabrosa 85 caps (Portugal) · 22 goals · S.L. Benfica, Atlético MadridA tricky winger with a cannon of a shot, his flair and free-kick expertise lit up the Portuguese league and the Champions League for Benfica.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q203665
LM1998–2010
27 ÁM Álvaro Magalhães 20 caps (Portugal) · Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F., S.L. BenficaA classic attacking left-back of the 80s, his pinpoint crosses and tireless running forged a strong flank for Benfica and the national team.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q251042
LB1981–1988
28 JC Jorge Costa 50 caps (Portugal) · FC Porto, C.S. MarítimoA no-nonsense centre-back and captain of Porto's 2004 Champions League winning team, he epitomized grit and defensive steel.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q465049
CB1995–2002
29 MB Manuel Bento 63 caps (Portugal) · F.C. Barreirense, S.L. BenficaAn iconic figure for Benfica and Portugal, his acrobatic saves and unwavering presence made him a cult hero of the 70s and 80s.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q465817
GK1976–1986
30 NG Nuno Gomes 79 caps (Portugal) · 29 goals · Boavista, S.L. BenficaA clinical striker with a knack for important goals, he led the line for Portugal at multiple Euros and World Cups, including their run to the Euro 2004 final.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q193568
ST1996–2011
31 Rui Jordão 43 caps (Portugal) · 15 goals · S.L. Benfica, Sporting CPKnown as 'The Gazelle', this elegant and technical forward was a key figure for Sporting CP and Benfica, becoming a two-time Primeira Liga top scorer.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q708118
ST1972–1989
32 William Carvalho 80 caps (Portugal) · Sporting CP, Cercle Brugge K.S.V.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q304416
CDM2013–2022
33 A Aloísio A rock-solid Brazilian-born centre-back who became a long-serving and reliable defender for Porto in the late 80s and early 90s.About the editorial selection CB

About this XI

The collection opens with Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusébio and Luís Figo. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders and 7 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1930s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.

Left out, and why

A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Portugal's list. Every one of them has a case.

  • João FélixThe place went to José Águas.
  • CostinhaThe place went to Nuno Mendes.
  • Fábio CoentrãoThe place went to José Augusto.
  • Nélson SemedoThe place went to Rúben Dias.

Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.

Who is the greatest Portugal footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Cristiano Ronaldo. Its first five careers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusébio, Luís Figo, Mário Coluna, Deco. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Portugal players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Portugal's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Portugal all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.