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The Portuguese national team had to stay away from a well-deserved trophy victory until 2016. Despite coming closer on a few occasions, Seleccao couldn't grab any silverware. However, it all changed when their star man Cristiano Ronaldo led them to the EURO 2016 title victory.
Though the continental champs couldn't carry forward their form to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But Portugal brought home another trophy in the form of the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
Strangely, the team always lacked a strong squad and often used to rely on one man. From Eusebio to Luis Figo to Cristiano Ronaldo, Seleccao de Portugal were highly dependent on their MVPs.
However, that's the story of the past. The Portuguese national team, under the guidance of coach Fernando Santos, has built a solid squad. They are finally able to brag about possessing a bunch of the most talented individuals in the whole of Europe.
The same saw Portuguese players making their marks in Europe's top five leagues recently. As of now, 20 Portuguese players are deployed in the world's most difficult and followed league — The English Premier League.
On the same note, let's take a look at
Top 5 Portuguese players who have scored the most goals in Premier League history
Note: Only stats from 1992-93 (when the league was renamed to the Premier League) until today are being considered.
#5 Nani (Manchester United) — 26 goals
Having played for six teams in the world, Nani's professional career has completed 16 years and is still counting. However, the Portuguese winger, along with his somersault celebrations, is widely recognized for his Premier League days at Manchester United.
Nani joined Alex Ferguson's Manchester United at the age of 20 in 2007. His playing style drew him comparisons with the then teammate and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. Though Nani later adapted to become a traditional winger and Ronaldo, a center-forward, the comparisons never really stopped.
After his national team-mate's move to Real Madrid, Nani was handed the responsibility of leading the attack for the Premier League giants. With 26 goals in the red jersey, Nani remains the fifth most scoring Portuguese player in the EPL as of now.
#4 Diogo Jota (Liverpool) — 28 goals*
Diogo Jota had high hopes of establishing his career after being signed by Atletico Madrid in 2016. However, the forward had to endure a couple of loan stints after not being a part of Diego Simeone's plans.
Jota arrived in England as a Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee in 2017 in the Championship. Wolves were promoted to the Premier League next season itself. A decent display of form urged the Wolves to make it permanent. Jota remained at Molineux Stadium until 2020, after which he joined Liverpool.
The Porto-native's career took off to a flying start after being signed by the Reds. He scored seven goals in his first 10 Liverpool appearances, a feat that was achieved only by Robbie Fowler. He is expected to be one of the most successful Portuguese players in the Premier League.
#3 Luis Boa Morte (Arsenal, Southampton, Fulham, West Ham) — 29
Throughout his career, Luis Boa Morte has featured for four English clubs. Despite being one of Arsene Wenger's first signings, the Lisbon-born forward couldn't make his mark with the Gunners.
The lack of playing time forced the Portuguese international to move to Southampton in 1999, where his fate was no different. It wasn't until the start of the new century that Boa Morte had to wait to find some stability. Signing for Fulham in 2000 helped the former Arsenal man resurrect his career.
Boa Morte helped Lily Whites qualify for the Premier League. After being promoted to the top-tier, the Portuguese scored a total of 26 goals in the Fulham jersey. He added three more as a West Ham player later on.
#2 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) — 30*
Tipped to be the next 'big thing' in Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes has reached 30 goals already in the Premier League.
The former Sporting CP player has entered what is only his third season in England. He has already surpassed almost every other compatriot when it comes to goal scoring.
Fernandes created a sudden impact at Old Trafford and was responsible for bringing the winning mentality back to the Red Devils. No other player has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award since Bruno joined Manchester United.
Bruno's eight goals in his first Manchester United season (only since 2019 January) were surpassed by 18 in his first full season in the red outfit. He has scored four goals off six games already this season.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) — 87*
There is no way that any other Portuguese player could be holding the top spot when Cristiano Ronaldo is around. Undoubtedly, Cristiano Ronaldo, with 87 goals and counting, holds the record for being the highest goal getter from Portugal.
At the age of 36, Ronaldo is still scoring goals and has left his competitors behind by a distant margin. The goal-machine from Funchal announced himself to the world via Manchester United between 2003 and 2009.
He turned himself into a prolific goal scorer under Sir Alex Ferguson. After that Cristiano established himself as not just one of the best Manchester United players but that within the league itself.
In his second stint with the Red Devils, the Portuguese captain has picked right where he left off. He has bagged three goals off three games already.
