Famous Portuguese People

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 1 
Cristiano Ronaldo
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Cristiano Ronaldo
465
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 5, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Funchal

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Portuguese football player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the world's highest-paid athletes. He is a versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing as well as through the center of the pitch. He has the distinction of being the first European to score 100 international goals.

 2 
Ferdinand Magellan
(Navigator, Explorer)
Ferdinand Magellan
42
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1480 AD
Birthplace: Sabrosa
Died: April 27, 1521

Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, is remembered for organizing the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522. A skilled sailor and naval officer, he was in service of the Portuguese crown in Asia. He was killed during the Battle of Mactan. The Pacific Ocean was often called the Sea of Magellan in his honor until the 18th century.

 3 
Vasco da Gama
(Explorer)
Vasco da Gama
29
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1469 AD
Birthplace: Sines
Died: December 24, 1524

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first to link Europe and Asia through an ocean route, when he reached Calicut in 1498, thus enriching Portuguese trade with Asia. He made a second voyage later. He was made Count of Vidigueira in 1519 and the viceroy of India in 1524.

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 4 
Luís Figo
(One of the Best Portuguese Football Players of All Time)
Luís Figo
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Almada
Portuguese former footballer Luís Figo has had successful stints with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. He made a La Liga record with 106 assists, the second-highest in the league. He participated in two World Cups for Portugal and was named the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year.
 5 
António Guterres
(9th Secretary-General of the United Nations)
António Guterres
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 30, 1949
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Lisbon

António Guterres is a Portuguese diplomat and politician who served as Portugal's prime minister from 1995 to 2002. A favorite among the masses, Guterres was ranked the best prime minister of Portugal over the last 30 years in polls conducted in 2012 and 2014. In 2009, he was named in Forbes magazine's list of world's most powerful people

 6 
Eusébio
(Portuguese Footballer Known for His Speed and Exceptional Goal-Scoring Abilities)
Eusébio
12
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 25, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Maputo
Died: January 5, 2014

Considered one of the most successful African-origin footballers of all time, Eusébio, or the Black Panther, was born in the Portuguese Mozambique and grew up to represent the Portuguese national team as a striker. He also had a great stint with the club Benfica, having won the Primeira Liga with them 11 times.

 7 
José Mourinho
(Portuguese Former Professional Football Player and One of the Greatest Managers of All Time)
José Mourinho
47
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: January 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Setúbal

When it comes to great football managers, Jose Mourinho’s name comes right at the top. He is regarded as one of the most tactfully brilliant managers ever, even though his defensive style has at times been criticised. He has had great stints with Premier League clubs like Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

 8 
Daniela Ruah
(Actress and Director Known for Her Role as ‘Kensi Blye’ in TV Series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’)
Daniela Ruah
16
Birthdate: December 2, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Boston

Portuguese-American actress, Daniela Rua,h is best known for her role in the TV series, NCIS: Los Angeles. She began acting as a teenager and went on to study performing arts at the London Metropolitan University. She then trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute before commencing her professional career. She works in both Portuguese and American films.

 9 
Pepe
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Pepe
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 26, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Maceió

Pepe is a football player who plays for the Portugal national team and FC Porto. Counted among the leading defenders of his generation, Pepe played important roles in Portugal's championship-winning performances in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. He was named Süper Lig Defender of the Year in 2018.

 10 
Bernardo Silva
(Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Bernardo Silva
24
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 10, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lisbon

Portuguese footballer Bernardo Silva, who began his career with Benfica and then moved on to AS Monaco, now represents Manchester City as an attacking midfielder, or winger. Best known for his dribbling skills, he has won 4 Premier League titles with Manchester City and a UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

 11 
Renato Sanches
(Portuguese Footballer Who Became the Youngest Player from the Country to Play in an International Tournament)
Renato Sanches
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 18, 1997
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Amadora

Portuguese footballer Renato Sanches had a difficult childhood, and though born in 1997, had his birth registered in 2002. Starting his career with Benfica, the talented midfielder moved on to Bayern Munich and now represents the French club Lille. He became the youngest Portuguese international player and the youngest to win UEFA Euro.

 12 
Ricardo Quaresma
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Ricardo Quaresma
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 26, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lisbon

Ricardo Quaresma is a Portuguese football player best known for his tricks, such as the rabona and curl. He played for Portugal from 2003 to 2018, during which he represented his team at three European Championships, including UEFA Euro 2016, which Portugal won. Ricardo Quaresma was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year in 2006.   

 13 
Daniela Melchior
(Actress)
Daniela Melchior
16
Birthdate: November 1, 1996
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Almada
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 14 
Anthony of Padua
5
Birthdate: August 15, 1195
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lisbon
Died: June 13, 1231

Thirteenth-century Portuguese Catholic priest Anthony of Padua was the friar of the Franciscan Order. He is remembered for his self-less devotion to the poor and the sick and is revered as the patron saint of lost items. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946.

 15 
Henry the Navigator
(Portuguese Prince and Main Initiator of Age of Discovery)
Henry the Navigator
10
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: March 4, 1394
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Porto
Died: November 13, 1460
Henry the Navigator was a central figure in the 15th-century European maritime expansion and maritime discoveries. He is credited with the early development of Portuguese maritime trade and exploration. He is also credited with developing a new and much lighter ship called the caravel, which changed the way sailors sailed at that time. 
 16 
Deco
(Retired Professional Football Player Who Played as an Attacking or Central Midfielder)
Deco
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 27, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: São Bernardo do Campo

Brazilian-born-Portuguese retired professional footballer Deco, who mainly played as an attacking or central midfielder, is counted among the best players of his time. During his illustrious playing career, he achieved several feats including winning UEFA Champions League with and receiving UEFA Best Midfielder Award from two clubs, Porto and Barcelona. Following his football career, Deco started the D20 Sports agency.

 17 
Rafael Leão
(Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Rafael Leão
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 10, 1999
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Almada

Portuguese footballer Rafael Leao began his youth career with Amora and then moved on to teams such as Sporting CP in his senior career. He now represents AC Milan as a winger and is known for his versatility and technical knowledge. He is also known as the Portuguese Mbappe.

 18 
Bartolomeu Dias
(Portuguese explorer)
Bartolomeu Dias
21
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1450 AD
Birthplace: Algarve
Died: May 29, 1500

Bartolomeu Dias was a nobleman of the Portuguese royal household in the 15th century. Famous as an explorer, he sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa and set up a route from Europe to Asia. He became the first European to anchor in Cape Good Hope, South Africa, during the Age of Discovery. He perished in 1500. 

 19 
Nélson Semedo
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Nélson Semedo
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 16, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lisbon

Nélson Semedo is a Portuguese football player who plays as a defender for the Portugal national team. He was part of the national team that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019. Best known for his speed and dribbling skills, Nélson Semedo helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga in 2016 and 2017. He is currently playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

 20 
Diogo Jota
(Portuguese Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Diogo Jota
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 4, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Massarelos

Diogo Jota is a Portuguese football player who plays for the popular Premier League club, Liverpool. Before signing with Liverpool, Diogo Jota played for other popular teams like Atlético Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jota is also a prominent member of the Portugal national team.

 21 
João Moutinho
(Portuguese Football Midfielder)
João Moutinho
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 8, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Portimao

Portuguese football central-midfielder João Moutinho, ComM, presently plays for Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Portugal national team. His illustrious career so far has seen him achieve several feats including winning Primeira Liga with FC Porto three times in a row; Ligue 1 with Monaco; and 2016 UEFA European Championship and 2019 UEFA Nations League with his national team

 22 
Sara Sampaio
(Portuguese Model, Best Known for Being a Victoria's Secret Angel)
Sara Sampaio
6
Birthdate: July 21, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Porto

Sara Sampaio is a Portuguese actress and model renowned for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel. One of the most popular Portuguese models of her generation, Sampaio has been honored with Portuguese Golden Globes under the Best Female Model category on several occasions. In 2014, she became the first Portuguese model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. 

 23 
Ricardo Carvalho
(Portuguese Former Football Centre Back)
Ricardo Carvalho
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 18, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amarante

Retired Portuguese professional football player Ricardo Carvalho, who played as a centre back, is counted among the best defenders of his generation. Carvalho played with several professional football clubs besides the Portugal national team. His achievements include winning three Premier League titles with Chelsea; one La Liga with Real Madrid; and the 2016 UEFA European Championship with his national team.

 24 
Cédric Soares
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Cédric Soares
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 31, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Singen (Hohentwiel)

Cédric Soares is a Portuguese football player who plays as a defender for the Portugal national team. He was part of the team that won the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship and also represented Portugal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Apart from his national team, Cédric Soares is also currently a part of the Arsenal Football Club.

 25 
Nani
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Nani
17
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 17, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Amadora

Nani is a Portuguese football player who represented the national team from 2006 to 2017. He played an important role in Portugal's victory at the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship. Nani was also an important player for Manchester United, winning the Premier League four times and the UEFA Champions League in 2008.

 26 
Nuno Mendes
(Portuguese Football Left-Back)
Nuno Mendes
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 19, 2002
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sintra
Angolan-origin Portuguese footballer Nuno Mendes was 9 when he began playing football. Starting his senior career with Sporting CP, he later joined the French club Paris Saint-Germain, and has a Primeira Liga win with the former and a Ligue 1 win with the latter. He is known for his speed and technical finesse.
 27 
Rui Patricio
(Portuguese Football Player Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Rui Patricio
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 15, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Marrazes

Rui Patricio is a Portuguese football player who plays as a goalkeeper. He was part of the national team that won the UEFA European Football Championship title in 2016. He also helped his team win the UEFA Nations League in 2019. Rui Patricio has also represented his country in two World Cups.

 28 
André Villas-Boas
(Portuguese Football Manager)
André Villas-Boas
6
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 17, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Porto

Portuguese football manager André Villas-Boas, who has most recently managed Marseille, has previously also served teams such as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. He has also managed clubs in Russia and China. A motorsport lover, too, he has competed in the World Rally Championship. He hails from a Portuguese noble family.

 29 
Joaquim de Almeida
(Actor)
Joaquim de Almeida
2
Birthdate: March 15, 1957
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: São Sebastião da Pedreira
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 30 
Jorge Mendes
(Portuguese Football Agent)
Jorge Mendes
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 7, 1966
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lisbon

Jorge Mendes is a Portuguese football agent who is currently registered with the Portuguese Football Federation. Widely regarded as one of the most influential football agents, Jorge Mendes was adjudged Best Agent of the Year on ten occasions between 2010 and 2020 at the Globe Soccer Awards. Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodríguez, and Diego Costa are some of his well-known clients.

 31 
Pedro I of Brazil
(Former Emperor of Brazil (1822 - 1831))
Pedro I of Brazil
5
Birthdate: October 12, 1798
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Queluz
Died: September 24, 1834

Pedro I of Brazil was the founder of the Empire of Brazil and reigned as its emperor from 1822 to 1831. He also ruled over Portugal before abdicating the throne in favor of Dona Maria II. He is credited with spreading the liberal ideals that enabled Portugal and Brazil to move to representative forms of government from absolutist regimes.

 32 
Alba Baptista
(Actress)
Alba Baptista
6
Birthdate: July 10, 1997
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lisbon
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 33 
William Carvalho
(Portuguese Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
William Carvalho
19
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 7, 1992
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Luanda

William Carvalho is a Portuguese football player who plays for the Portugal national team. He has represented his country in two European Championships and two World Cups. In 2016, he helped Portugal win the UEFA European Football Championship title. William Carvalho was also part of the team that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

 34 
José Fonte
(Portuguese Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
José Fonte
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 22, 1983
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Penafiel

José Fonte is a Portuguese football player who plays as a defender for the Portugal national team. He was part of the national team that won the UEFA European Football Championship title in 2016 as well as the UEFA Nations League in 2019. José Fonte also represented his nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.  

 35 
Nuno Tavares
(Portuguese Football Left-Back)
Nuno Tavares
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 26, 2000
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lisbon

Portuguese footballer Nuno Tavares started his career with the youth teams of Sporting CP and Benfica, and moved on to teams such as Arsenal later. He has won the 2019 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira with Benfica and now plays as a left-back for Marseille on loan.

 36 
Raphaël Guerreiro
(Portuguese Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Midfielder & Defender)
Raphaël Guerreiro
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 22, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Le Blanc-Mesnil

Raphaël Guerreiro is a Portuguese football player who plays for the Portugal national team. He was part of the team that won the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. Raphaël Guerreiro also represented his national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship.

 37 
Fernando Pessoa
(Portuguese Modernist Poet and Author of 'Mensagem' and 'The Book of Disquiet')
Fernando Pessoa
3
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: June 13, 1888
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lisbon
Died: November 30, 1935

Fernando Pessoa was a Portuguese poet, writer, translator, and publisher. A prolific writer, he is considered one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century. While he mostly wrote in the Portuguese language, he also wrote in English and French occasionally. Besides writing under his own name, he also wrote under approximately 75 other names.

 38 
Pedro Álvares Cabral
(Nobleman)
Pedro Álvares Cabral
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 1467 AD
Birthplace: Belmonte
Died: 1520 AD

Pedro Álvares Cabral was a Portuguese nobleman, navigator, explorer, and military commander. Regarded as a prominent figure of the Age of Discovery, Cabral is often remembered as one of the earliest Europeans to set his foot on Brazil. Pedro Álvares Cabral is also remembered for his voyage to India in a failed attempt to return to Europe with valuable spices.

 39 
Manuel II of Portugal
(King of Portugal from 1908 to 1910)
Manuel II of Portugal
5
Birthdate: November 15, 1889
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lisbon
Died: July 2, 1932
Son of King Carlos I, Manuel II, was the last king of Portugal. While he came to power after his father’s assassination, he had to flee to England after the Portuguese monarchy was dissolved by a revolution. He later devoted himself to books and published Early Portuguese Books.
 40 
José Saramago
(Portuguese Writer and Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998)
José Saramago
5
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: November 16, 1922
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Azinhaga
Died: June 18, 2010

José Saramago was a Portuguese writer who was honored with the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature. Saramago's books have sold more than two million copies in Portugal alone and have been translated into 25 languages. Among other awards, Saramago has also been honored with the Camões Prize and America Award. He is also credited with establishing the José Saramago Foundation.

 41 
Salvador Sobral
(Singer)
Salvador Sobral
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 28, 1989
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lisbon
 42 
Otávio
(Portuguese Football Attacking Midfielder / Winger)
Otávio
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 9, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: João Pessoa

Portuguese footballer Otávio who is known as an attacking midfielder/winger for Porto, began his senior career with the Brazilian club Internacional. The Brazilian-born sports star joined the Portuguese club Porto B in 2014 and later became a Portuguese citizen and represented the Portuguese national team.

 43 
António Costa
(119th Prime Minister of Portugal )
António Costa
4
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 17, 1961
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lisbon

António Costa is a Portuguese politician and lawyer. He is the current Prime Minister of Portugal, serving his second consecutive term. An important and influential politician, Costa has also held various ministerial offices apart from serving as the Mayor of Lisbon from 2007 to 2015. In 2017, the Government of India honored António Costa with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. 

 44 
Raul Meireles
(Portuguese Retired Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Raul Meireles
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 17, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Porto

Raul Meireles is a Portuguese retired football player who played as a midfielder for the national team in many European Championships and two World Cups between 2006 and 2014. Raul Meireles is best known for winning the 2012 UEFA Champions League while playing for Chelsea.  

 45 
Ricardo Domingos Barbosa Pereira
(Portuguese Football Full-Back)
Ricardo Domingos Barbosa Pereira
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 6, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lisbon
Portuguese footballer Ricardo Domingos Barbosa Pereira is best known as a full-back for Leicester City. He has won a Primeira Liga with Porto and an FA Cup with Leicester City. He has played for Portugal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the most skilled Premier League players.
 46 
Margarida Corceiro
(Actress, Model)
Margarida Corceiro
6
Birthdate: October 26, 2002
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Santarém
 47 
Sara Carbonero
(Spanish-Portuguese Sports Journalist)
Sara Carbonero
1
Birthdate: February 3, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Corral de Almaguer

Sara Carbonero is a Spanish-Portuguese TV personality and sports journalist. She is best known for her association with the popular free-to-air TV channel Telecinco, where she worked as a presenter. Carbonero made headlines in 2010 when she covered the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the match between Switzerland and Spain that featured her then-boyfriend Iker Casillas whom she later married. 

 48 
Afonso de Albuquerque
(Statesman)
Afonso de Albuquerque
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: 1453 AD
Birthplace: Vila Franca de Xira
Died: December 16, 1515

Afonso de Albuquerque was a Portuguese statesman, admiral, and general. A fierce military commander, Albuquerque expanded the influence of the Portuguese across the Indian Ocean while serving as the viceroy of the Portuguese State of India from 1509 to 1515. Afonso de Albuquerque's military brilliance in the initial Portuguese campaigns helped Portugal to become the first intercontinental empire in history. 

 49 
Adrien Silva
(Portuguese Football Player Known for His Dribbling and Passing Skills)
Adrien Silva
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 15, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Angoulême

Portuguese footballer Adrien Silva was 18 when he made his professional debut. Starting his youth career with Bordeaux, he later had successful stints with Sporting CP, Leicester City, and Maccabi Haifa. He also won the UEFA European Championship with the Portuguese national team. He is a Commander of the Order of Merit, too.

 50 
Hélder Postiga
(Portuguese Retired Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Hélder Postiga
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 2, 1982
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Vila do Conde

Hélder Postiga is a Portuguese former football player who played as a striker. He played for his national team from 2003 to 2014 and helped the team reach the finals of the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship. He also represented his nation in two World Cups. Hélder Postiga also played for Porto, winning the Primeira Liga in 2003 and 2007.