Home to many Brazilians, Portugal is not a country with much footballing tradition. Although it has produced legends such as Figo and Christiano Ronaldo, and has big names at the moment such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and João Félix, the Portuguese league is still struggling to become more competitive. Come and meet the best teams in Portugal!
From Lisbon to Porto, from Braga to the Algarve, soccer is much more than just a game – it’s an integral part of national identity.
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Best teams in Portugal: origin and history
From the early days when the ball started rolling on makeshift pitches to the modern arenas that host thrilling matches, Portuguese soccer has witnessed an impressive evolution.
Among the most notable chapters in this history are the achievements of best teams in Portugal , who have lifted trophies, delighted crowds and left an indelible mark on the world soccer scene.
Legendary clubs such as SL Benfica, FC Porto and Sporting CP emerged as icons of the sport, shaping not only the national soccer scene, but also leaving their mark on European competitions.
SL Benfica, known as the “Eagles”, are a dominant force who have won numerous national titles and delighted spectators with their attacking and skillful style of play. For their part, FC Porto, nicknamed the “Dragons”, are synonymous with determination and excellence, collecting trophies both inside and outside Portugal;
Meanwhile, Sporting CP, with its iconic green and white jersey, embodies tradition and passion for soccer, producing talents who shine on national and international fields.
In addition to these giants, other clubs have also contributed to Portuguese soccer. Teams like SC Braga, Vitória de Guimarães and Boavista FC have played important roles, challenging the favorites and adding excitement and unpredictability to the national championship, entering the league of the best teams in Portugal as well.
The best teams in Portugal: the strongest in the league
The best teams in Portugal, taking into account national and international titles, are:
SL Benfica
Known as one of the best teams in Portugal, Benfica has won numerous national titles, including 38 Portuguese league titles. They also hold two UEFA Champions League titles, won in 1961 and 1962.
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FC Porto
Another Portuguese soccer giant, Porto has won 30 Portuguese league titles and has also enjoyed international success, winning the UEFA Champions League twice, in 1987 and 2004, as well as the Europa League in 2011.
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Sporting CP
Sporting is one of the “Big Three” in Portuguese soccer and has won 19 league titles in its history. Although it doesn’t have as many international titles as Benfica and Porto, the club has already won a Cup Winners’ Cup in 1964, earning its place among the best teams in Portugal.
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Boavista FC
Although Boavista is not among the richest clubs in terms of titles, it is one of the oldest and most historic teams in Portugal. The club won the Portuguese Championship once, in 2001, and also won a Portuguese Cup.
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SC Braga
Despite not being among the traditional top teams in Portugal, Braga has emerged as a force in Portuguese soccer in recent decades. The club has won a Portuguese Cup, a League Cup and has reached the finals of the Europa League, demonstrating its growing importance on the national and international stage.
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List of the best teams in Portugal
- Benfica
- Porto
- Sporting
- Boavista
- Braga
Best teams in Portugal: honorable mentions
Belenenses SAD
Belenenses SAD, a spin-off from the historic “Os Belenenses” soccer club, has won 1 Portuguese Championship and 3 Portuguese Cups. The small club is among the best teams in Portugal.
Vitória SC
Vitória Sport Clube has 2 Portuguese Championships and 1 Portuguese Cup in its collection.
Académica de Coimbra
Académica won 1 Portuguese Championship and 1 Portuguese Cup.
FC Famalicão
FC Famalicão have won 1 Portuguese Cup in their history.
Did the country’s greatest stars play for the best teams in Portugal?
Eusébio – SL Benfica
Known as the “Black Panther”, Eusébio is widely regarded as the greatest Portuguese player of all time. He shone for one of the best teams in Portugal, SL Benfica, and the national team, and was one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Sporting CP
Little needs to be said about Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the greatest players in the history of world soccer, Ronaldo is an icon of the sport, winning countless titles with clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, as well as his extraordinary contribution to the Portuguese national team. Despite having enjoyed his best spells in bigger teams, CR7 started out in one of best teams in Portugal, Sporting.
Luís Figo – Sporting CP
Figo was an exceptional player who delighted fans with his technical ability, vision and leadership on the pitch. He had a brilliant career at clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as being a key member of the Portuguese national team. Another great player developed by Sporting, one of best teams in Portugal.
Fernando Peyroteo – Sporting CP
Considered one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of soccer, Peyroteo made his mark at Sporting CP during the 1940s and 1950s, being one of the main figures behind the club’s success during that period.
José Águas – SL Benfica
Another legend of one of best teams in Portugal, SL Benfica, Águas was one of the club’s top scorers, contributing to its national and international triumphs in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rui Costa – SL Benfica
Known for his class and elegance on the pitch, Rui Costa was an exceptional midfielder who shone both at Benfica and abroad, making his mark at clubs such as Fiorentina and AC Milan.
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