Anniversary: Veloso, the versatile captain with mystique

António Veloso, who turns 61, is an inescapable name of Benfica history in the 1980s and 1990s. After having represented Sanjoanense and Beira-Mar, he joined Benfica where he remained for 15 seasons.

Born in São João da Madeira, in 1957, Veloso joined Benfica in the 1980/81 season and soon settled as a starter in the Reds defense, alongside the Bastos Lopes brothers, Alhinho, Pietra and Humberto Coelho. It was the first of 15 seasons playing for the Eagles.

A brave and versatile defender, Veloso was seen by many as a Swiss watch, reliable attaching and defending. He played 658 matches for Benfica and scored 13 goals. A transmitter of Mystique, he was a team captain in 322 matches, falling only behind Coluna and Luisão in that aspect.

For the eagles he was present in several European finals, namely the UEFA Cup (1982/83) and the European Cup (1987/88 and 1989/90).

He finished his career in 1994/95, but before that he won 19 titles with an eagle on his chest: 7 National Championships, 6 Portuguese Cup, 3 Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup, 2 Lisbon Honor Cups and 1 Iberian Cup.

António Veloso was also a Portugal international, having made 40 matches for the "Quinas" national team. He was one of the players named for the European Championships of 1984 where the National team finished in the third place. He played against Germany, in the group stage.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica