Luís Sobrinho


Luís Fernando Peixoto Gonçalves Sobrinho is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Setúbal, Sobrinho started playing professionally with local Vitória F.C. as a part of the club's youth system. After a solid second season in the Primeira Liga the 21-year-old signed with FC Porto, but failed to appear in any league matches as this coincided with his conscription, returning to his previous team one year later.
After two more campaigns with Vitória, Sobrinho joined C.F. Os Belenenses, experiencing some of his best years: he helped the Lisbon side to the third position in 1987–88, then played in both legs as they ousted UEFA Cup holders Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the competition's first round. The following domestic league brought a sixth place, and the season finished with a 2–1 win against S.L. Benfica in the Taça de Portugal, his only career trophy.
In summer 1989, Sobrinho moved to Racing Club de France Football in France, teaming up with his compatriot Jorge Plácido and a young David Ginola. After the club's relegation from Ligue 1, he returned to his country for a third stint with Setúbal, meeting the same fate in his first year.
Sobrinho returned briefly to the top flight with F.C. Paços de Ferreira, dropping shortly after to the Segunda Liga with F.C. Felgueiras. He retired at the age of 36 following a spell in amateur football with Clube Desportivo Artístico Grandolense, where he teamed up with former Vitória teammate António Aparício.

International career

Sobrinho earned eight senior caps for Portugal, and was picked for the squad that appeared at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, being an unused player in an eventual group-stage exit.