Paulo Madeira

Paulo Sérgio Braga Madeira (born 6 September 1970) is a retired Portuguese professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Madeira was born in Luanda, Portuguese Angola. A youth graduate of S.L. Benfica, he made his first-team debuts in 1989–90 and, after serving a loan with fellow Primeira Liga club C.S. Marítimo, returned for another season.

After excellent displays with Lisbon neighbours C.F. Os Belenenses, Madeira was bought back by Benfica, but failed to appear regularly in his second spell with his alma mater (five years), which included a demotion to the club's B-side. He retired at almost 34 after brief stints with Fluminense Football Club and C.F. Estrela da Amadora, with the campaign ending in relegation; over the course of 13 seasons, he amassed top division (the only competition he appeared in in his country) totals of 291 games and 12 goals.

International career

At international level, Madeira was part of the Portuguese senior team that participated at UEFA Euro 1996, although he did not leave the bench. In total he earned 25 caps and scored three goals, over the course of eight years.

Previously, Madeira was instrumental in helping the under-20 team to the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia, playing all the matches.