Quick Facts
Biography
Hélio Filipe Dias de Sousa (born 12 August 1969) is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a central midfielder, and a current coach.
Playing career
Known by his first name in his playing days, Hélio was born in Setúbal and played his entire career with hometown club Vitória Futebol Clube. Being team captain from an early age, he first appeared with the main squad during the 1987–88 season, and went on to experience promotions and relegations alike throughout 18 professional campaigns, being an undisputed starter in ten of those (three in the second division).
Hélio retired at almost 36, after helping Vitória to the 2005 Portuguese Cup in a 2–1 final win against S.L. Benfica, having played 424 league games – club best – and scoring 20 goals. Internationally, he was part of Portugal's squad at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship, which was won in Saudi Arabia; in 1994, he gained one cap for the full side.
Coaching career
After retiring, Sousa moved into management. Beginning with his only professional club, he moved in 2008–09 to S.C. Covilhã, helping it retain its second level status.
In August 2010, Hélio took the reins of the national team's under-18s. He was in charge of several youth categories at the Portuguese Football Federation in the following years.
Honours
Player
- Vitória Setúbal
- Taça de Portugal: 2004–05
- Portugal
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1989
Manager
- Vitória Setúbal
- Taça de Portugal: Runner-up 2005–06
- Portugal U17
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2016
- "Portugal win second U17 EURO title on penalties". UEFA.com. 21 May 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.