Deco
Benfica signed Deco from CSA in 1997 but sent him on loan to Alverca and later traded him to Salgueiros; he never played a competitive match for Benfica's first team.
Anderson Luís de Souza (born 27 August 1977), also known as Deco, is a former professional footballer who primarily played as an attacking or central midfielder. Born and raised in Brazil, he played for the Portugal national team. He currently works as sporting director for Barcelona. Deco is widely considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.
- Role
- Central Midfielder
- Nationality
- Brazilian-Portuguese (Dual)
- Shirt Number
- 10
- Key Partnership
- Deco & Costinha
Lore & Background
Deco began his European career at Benfica, who purchased his rights from CSA in June 1997 and immediately sent him on loan to their farm team Alverca. After helping Alverca win promotion in 1997–98, he returned to Benfica in July 1998 but left for Salgueiros in exchange for Nandinho. Deco later said of his departure, 'Benfica decided, it wasn't my decision. They didn't want me. The coach was Graeme Souness at the time. I was young and Benfica needed some players.' At Salgueiros, injuries limited his appearances until Porto purchased him in March 1999. He went on to win the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 and with Barcelona in 2006, and was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and UEFA Best Midfielder in Porto's Champions League-winning season.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the pitch at the Luz, but Deco’s eyes remained fixed on the space opening up between the lines. He received the ball under pressure, shielding it with a practiced turn before delivering a through-ball that sliced through the defense like a knife. It was not just about the pass; it was the calm in the chaos that defined his game. The crowd roared as the striker finished, but Deco simply nodded, already scanning for the next opportunity to control destiny on this red and white stage.
Reader's Guide
Deco is one of the few players to have won the UEFA Champions League with two clubs, with Porto in 2004 and Barcelona in 2006. He was named Man of the Match in the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final. He was the first player to win the UEFA Best Midfielder Award with two clubs, Porto and Barcelona. He was awarded the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball and the Man of the Match award in the final despite losing to Internacional. He earned 75 caps for Portugal, playing at two UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups, reaching the final of Euro 2004 and achieving a fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup.
Did You Know?
- Deco received Portuguese citizenship in 2002 after completing five years of Portuguese residence.
- Deco scored a goal after just 30.08 seconds in a 1–0 away win against Molde in the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League.
- Deco was the first signing of new Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2008.
- Deco won the Campeonato Brasileiro with Fluminense in 2010 and 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Deco?
Deco is Anderson Luís de Souza, a Brazilian-born midfielder who became a dual Portuguese citizen and an eternal legend of FC Porto. He wore the iconic number 10 shirt during the club's golden era in the early 2000s.
What was Deco's role on the pitch?
As a central midfielder, he served as the team's creative orchestrator, renowned for his technical mastery and tactical intelligence. He formed a legendary partnership with Costinha that defined Porto's midfield dominance.
Why is Deco considered so important to FC Porto?
He was instrumental in ending long title droughts and leading the club to historic European triumphs during the new millennium. His deep emotional connection with the fans cemented his status as one of their greatest ever players.
Did Deco play for any other major clubs?
While he achieved global fame at FC Porto, Barcelona, and Chelsea, his most celebrated period remains his time in the blue and white shirt. It was specifically at Porto that he solidified his reputation as a world-class maestro.
How is Deco remembered by the fans today?
He is revered as the Brazilian-Portuguese genius who orchestrated the club's greatest successes on the European stage. Even decades later, he remains an untouchable icon in the hearts of the Porto faithful.
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