Contemporary Portugal III: Rui Costa

Football for some soccer is called the king sports here in Portugal, in spite of my aversion to the notion of one sport getting all the credit and support, it's undeniable that it's one of the driving forces of our country, making people sad or happy beyond belief (really I can't believe it!).

Anyway this guy Rui Costa nicknamed "O Maestro"( "The Conductor"), he is our Steve Nash, our Tom Brady, Magic Johnson...you get the point, he is the guy organizing the game.

He started is professional career in Benfica (my club), he then went to Fiorentina and after that A.C Milan, both being Italian clubs.
After is very successful career in Italy he return to Benfica to finish is career in the club he loved.!

He also enjoyed a very fruitful International career with Portugal National Team, he was a member of the golden generation that won the Junior World Cup in 1991, he actually scored the deciding penalty kick.
At a senior level he completed 94 caps and scored 26 goals, and was one of the most charismatic players on the team alongside Luis Figo.

He was also in the FIFA 100, a list made by Pelé with the best players of the first century of official football.

This is my favourite goal ever:


All in all my favourite player ever!

Please comment, digg, retwitt!

Cheers!