Quick Facts
Biography
- For other people named "Paulo Santos", See Paulo Santos.
Paulo Jorge da Silva dos Santos (born 11 December 1972) is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
He played in 275 Primeira Liga matches during 14 seasons, representing in the competition Benfica, Estrela da Amadora, Alverca, Porto, Varzim, Braga and Rio Ave.
Santos appeared with Portugal at the 2006 World Cup.
Club career
Born in Odivelas, Lisbon, Santos began his football career at age 11 at Sporting Clube de Portugal, and made his debuts in the Primeira Liga in the 1993–94 season, winning the league with capital neighbours S.L. Benfica by playing one minute on the last game. After successful stints with C.F. Estrela da Amadora and F.C. Alverca, he went on to represent FC Porto, with no significant impact.
In the 2005 summer, Santos joined S.C. Braga after serving a loan stint with the same team the previous campaign. During that first year – with the Minho side finishing in fourth position in the league – when Braga's Andrés Madrid deflected the ball in for an own goal, he was beaten for the first time in 595 minutes, just 40 minutes short of the record set by legendary Benfica goalkeeper Manuel Bento; in the only other time he had conceded during season so far, Red Star Belgrade claimed the away goal that ended the Portuguese's campaign in the UEFA Cup at the first round for the second year running.
In 2007–08, after injury problems and contract disputes (although he had a link running until June 2009), Santos only appeared in 12 league matches. He was released at the end of the season.
Midway through 2008–09, Santos went on trial with lowly Odivelas F.C. in the third level, but nothing came of it. In July he "upgraded" to division two with G.D. Estoril Praia, appearing regularly to help his team maintain their league status.
In late July 2010 Santos, at nearly 38, Santos moved to top level club Rio Ave FC, filling the gap left by the departure of starter Carlos Fernandes, who signed with a team in Turkey. He retired two years later, having been first-choice in his debut campaign.
International career
Santos won one cap for the Portugal national team, appearing in a friendly match with Northern Ireland on 16 November 2005 (1–1 in Belfast). He was called up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, as a late replacement for the injured Bruno Vale.
Honours
Club
- Primeira Liga: 1993–94
Individual
- Primeira Liga: Goalkeeper of the Year 2006
Orders
- Medal of Merit, Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (House of Braganza)