Paulo Futre
The Portuguese left winger who became an Atlético Madrid fan favourite despite persistent knee injuries.
Paulo Futre is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a left winger. He started his career with Sporting CP, then moved to Porto – winning the 1987 European Cup – after which he embarked in an extensive professional career, having represented clubs in Spain, France, Italy, England and Japan, most notably Atlético Madrid. He also appeared for Benfica during four months in 1993, and his later years were blighted by injury problems. A Portuguese international from the age of 17, Futre earned over 40 caps for his country, representing it at the 1986 World Cup.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Paulo Jorge dos Santos Futre
- Born
- 28 February 1966
- Birthplace
- Montijo, Portugal
- Height
- 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in
- Position
- Winger
Lore & Background
After winning the 1986–87 European Cup with Porto, Futre was traded to Atlético Madrid in Spain, earning a reported annual salary of €650,000. At the capital club, he quickly rose to fan favourite status, but his physical weakness left him with several knee injuries which tormented his career in the 1990s. In his fifth season, Futre provided countless assists for striker Manolo who scored 27 goals for the Pichichi Trophy, with him netting in the campaign's Copa del Rey, a 2–0 win over rivals Real Madrid. During most of his spell with the Colchoneros, he was also team captain.
Reader's Guide
Paulo Futre played as a left winger for Atlético Madrid from 1987 to 1993, with a brief return for ten La Liga matches in 1997–98. After his playing career, Futre worked as director of football at Atlético Madrid from 2000 to 2003.
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