View source for Fernando Chalana

{{Short description|Portuguese footballer and manager (1959–2022)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Portuguese name|Sousa|Chalana}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Fernando Chalana
| image = 
| fullname = Fernando Albino de Sousa Chalana
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1959|2|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Barreiro, Portugal]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|8|10|1959|2|10|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Lisbon]], Portugal
| height = 1.65 m
| position = [[Winger (association football)|Winger]]
| youthyears1 = 1973–1974 | youthclubs1 = [[F.C. Barreirense|Barreirense]]
| youthyears2 = 1974–1976 | youthclubs2 = [[S.L. Benfica (youth)|Benfica]]
| years1 = 1976–1984 | clubs1 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] | caps1 = 193 | goals1 = 33
| years2 = 1984–1987 | clubs2 = [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]] | caps2 = 22 | goals2 = 2
| years3 = 1987–1990 | clubs3 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] | caps3 = 32 | goals3 = 4
| years4 = 1990–1991 | clubs4 = [[C.F. Belenenses|Belenenses]] | caps4 = 14 | goals4 = 0
| years5 = 1991–1992 | clubs5 = [[C.F. Estrela da Amadora|Estrela Amadora]] | caps5 = 9 | goals5 = 1
| totalcaps = 270 |totalgoals = 40
| nationalyears1 = 1976–1988 | nationalteam1 = [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] | nationalcaps1 = 27 | nationalgoals1 = 2
| manageryears1 = 2002 | managerclubs1 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] ([[caretaker manager|caretaker]])
| manageryears2 = 2003–2004 | managerclubs2 = [[F.C. Paços de Ferreira|Paços Ferreira]] (assistant)
| manageryears3 = 2004–2005 | managerclubs3 = [[Clube Oriental de Lisboa|Oriental]]
| manageryears4 = 2005–2009 | managerclubs4 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] (assistant)
| manageryears5 = 2008 | managerclubs5 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] (caretaker)
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{medal|Country|{{fb|POR}}}}
{{Medal|Comp|[[UEFA European Championship]]|}}
{{Medal|B|[[UEFA Euro 1984|1984 France]]|}}
}}
'''Fernando Albino de Sousa Chalana''' ({{IPA|pt|fɨɾˈnɐ̃du ʃɐˈlɐnɐ}}; 10 February 1959 – 10 August 2022) was a Portuguese [[Association football|football]] player and [[Manager (association football)|manager]].

Widely regarded as one of the greatest talents of his era in Portuguese football, the diminutive [[winger (association football)|left winger]]'s main asset was his ball control and [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] skills.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desportos/chalana-o-genio-humilde-e-altruista-que-cabia-no-grande-benfica-dos-anos-60-11524493.html|title=Chalana. O génio humilde e altruísta que cabia no grande Benfica dos anos 60|trans-title=Chalana. The humble and selfless genius who had a place in the great Benfica of the 60s|newspaper=[[Diário de Notícias]]|first=Nuno|last=Fernandes|language=pt|date=18 November 2019|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

His career, highly troubled by injuries, was mainly spent at [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]],<ref>{{cite book|first1=João Nuno|last1=Coelho|first2=Francisco|last2=Pinheiro|title=A Paixão do Povo|date=November 2002|publisher=Edições Afrontamento|location=Portugal|isbn=972-36-0624-0|page=575|edition=816|language=pt}}</ref> where he also later worked as a manager. Prior to his physical problems, he helped [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] reach the semi-finals at [[UEFA Euro 1984|Euro 1984]].

==Playing career==
Born in [[Barreiro, Portugal|Barreiro]], [[Setúbal District]], Chalana began his football career at [[F.C. Barreirense|Barreirense]], then moved to [[Lisbon]] neighbours [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] in 1974, where he established himself the following eight years, scoring and [[Assist (association football)|assisting]] alike as he helped them conquer, amongst other accolades, five [[Primeira Liga]] and three [[Taça de Portugal]] trophies.<ref name=Genius>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarreirense.com/index.php/notcias-mainmenu-2/7-futebol/462-chalana-uma-nova-etapa-na-vida-do-benfiquista-genial|title=Chalana: Uma nova etapa na vida do benfiquista "genial"|trans-title=Chalana: New lease of life for "genius" Benfica man|publisher=F.C. Barreirense|language=pt|date=4 January 2002|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/benfica/detalhe/100-anos-fernando-chalana|title=100 anos: Fernando Chalana|trans-title=100 years: Fernando Chalana|newspaper=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|language=pt|date=30 October 2003|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref>

Aged only 17 (fourth youngest ever), on 17 November 1976, Chalana won his first [[Cap (sport)|cap]] for [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]], against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] for the [[1978 FIFA World Cup]] [[1978 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualifiers]] – at that age, he became Benfica's youngest player to score a goal at the [[Estádio da Luz (1954)|Estádio da Luz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira_liga/artigo/2015/12/05/renato-sanches-e-o-mais-jovem-do-seculo-a-estrear-se-a-marcar-no-estadio-da-luz|title=Renato Sanches é o mais novo do século a marcar na Luz|trans-title=Renato Sanches is the youngest of the century to score at the Luz|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=5 December 2015|access-date=19 March 2016}}</ref> The peak of his career took place precisely on the international front, at [[UEFA Euro 1984]], in France. There, the ''Little Genius''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=15965.html|title=Portugal classic recalled|publisher=UEFA|date=25 January 2002|access-date=2 May 2020}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> was one of the team's leading figures, excelling in dribbling throughout the tournament, notably in the 3–2 semi-final loss against [[France national football team|the hosts]], setting up both goals for [[Rui Jordão]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pt.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b39da609a-09bc665112af-1000--platini-faz-a-diferenca-em-meia-final-de-sonho-no-euro-1984/|title=Platini faz a diferença em meia-final de sonho|trans-title=Platini makes the difference in dream semi-final|publisher=UEFA|language=pt|date=4 October 2003|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2020/?referrer=%2Feuropean-qualifiers%2Fnews%2Fnewsid%3D724881|title=EURO's greatest games|publisher=UEFA|first=Michael|last=Harrold|language=pt|date=24 June 2008|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

Moving to a club in that country after the tournament, [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]], Chalana failed to impress over three full seasons, mainly due to persistent injuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudouest.fr/2013/03/14/fernando-chalana-de-retour-a-bordeaux-994735-4558.php|title=Fernando Chalana de retour à Bordeaux|trans-title=Fernando Chalana returns to Bordeaux|newspaper=[[Sud-Ouest (newspaper)|Sud-Ouest]]|first=Xavier|last=Sota|language=fr|date=14 March 2013|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> In 1987, he returned to Benfica, never being able to reproduce his previous form; his last international appearance was a [[Exhibition game|friendly]] with [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] on 12 November 1988, which finished with a goalless draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/port-recintlp.html|title=Portugal – Record International Players|website=[[RSSSF]]|first=José Luis|last=Pierrend|access-date=25 August 2009}}</ref>

Chalana wrapped his career at 33, with one season apiece with Lisbon-based sides [[C.F. Os Belenenses|Belenenses]] and [[C.F. Estrela da Amadora|Estrela da Amadora]], the latter in the [[LigaPro|second division]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/chalana-a-um-passo-do-cume|title=Chalana, a um passo do cume|trans-title=Chalana, nearing the summit|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=28 June 2000|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
In 1999–2000, Chalana was at the helm of [[S.L. Benfica Juniors|Benfica's juniors]], winning the national championship.<ref name=Genius/> He had his first senior coaching experience four years later, assisting at modest [[F.C. Paços de Ferreira|Paços de Ferreira]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica/geral/jose-gomes-e-chalana-a-caminho-do-pacos-ferreira|title=José Gomes e Chalana a caminho do Paços Ferreira|trans-title=José Gomes and Chalana on their way to Paços Ferreira|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=30 May 2003|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> in a [[2003–04 Primeira Liga|top-flight relegation as 17th]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/p--ferreira/detalhe/presidente-pode-passar-pasta-a-antonio-oliveira|title=Presidente pode passar pasta a António Oliveira|trans-title=President may pass chores onto António Oliveira|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=29 April 2004|access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref>

The following years, Chalana served as assistant to several managers at Benfica.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvi24.iol.pt/portugal/europa/chalana-na-equipa-tecnica-do-benfica|title=Chalana na equipa técnica do Benfica|trans-title=Chalana in Benfica' coaching staff|publisher=[[CNN Portugal|TVI 24]]|language=pt|date=17 June 2005|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> However, in March 2008 he replaced [[José Antonio Camacho]] after the Spaniard was dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01cb-0e6f20c05b82-caf3291a03f0-1000--chalana-fills-in-at-benfica-helm/|title=Chalana fills in at Benfica helm|publisher=UEFA|date=10 March 2008|access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref> In 2002, he had already had a one-game spell as [[Interim management|interim]], filling in for the dismissed [[Jesualdo Ferreira]] – days before precisely Camacho arrived; in that match he placed winger [[Miguel Monteiro|Miguel]] as a [[right-back]], where he ultimately gained worldwide recognition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miguel-so-nao-jogo-a-baliza|title=Miguel: "Só não jogo à baliza"|trans-title=Miguel: "I play everywhere but in goal"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=10 February 2003|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/internacional/interior.aspx?content_id=202180|title=Miguel: Lateral dinâmico e rápido|trans-title=Miguel: Dynamic and quick fullback|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=29 June 2004|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref>

After one more season as assistant, now to [[Quique Sánchez Flores]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/benfica/chalana-e-diamantino-ficam_d253592|title=Chalana e Diamantino ficam|trans-title=Chalana and Diamantino stay|publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]]|language=pt|date=9 July 2008|access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref> Chalana returned to the junior side.

==Personal life and death==
Other than his main nickname, Chalana was also dubbed ''Chalanix'' (as his [[moustache]] resembled that of comic character [[Asterix (character)|Asterix]]).<ref>{{cite book|first=João|last=Malheiro|title=Memorial Benfica 100 Glórias|trans-title=Benfica Memorial, 100 glories|date=July 2006|publisher=QuidNovi|isbn=978-972-8998-26-4|edition=Third|pages=38–40|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2008/03/12/jornal/chalana-aposta-tudo-na-mistica-252688|title=Chalana aposta tudo na mística|trans-title=Chalana bets everything on mystique|newspaper=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]]|first=Jorge Miguel|last=Matias|language=pt|date=12 March 2008|access-date=22 June 2018}}</ref>

He died on 10 August 2022 at the age of 63, due to [[degenerative disease]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slbenfica.pt/pt-pt/agora/noticias/2022/08/10/futebol-benfica-faleceu-fernando-chalana|title=Morreu Fernando Chalana|trans-title=Fernando Chalana has died|publisher=S.L. Benfica|language=pt|date=10 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jn.pt/desporto/morreu-fernando-chalana-15082371.html|title=Morreu Fernando Chalana, o Pequeno Genial|trans-title=Death of Fernando Chalana, Little Genius|newspaper=[[Jornal de Notícias]]|language=pt|date=10 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
:''Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Chalana goal.''

{{International goals header|ref=no|above='''List of international goals scored by Fernando Chalana'''}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=3409|title=Chalana|publisher=European Football|access-date=28 August 2015}}</ref>
{{Ig match
| n= 1
| d= 5 December 1976
| st=Tsirion Stadium| ci=Limassol | co=Cyprus
| o=Cyprus
| sc=1–0
| fr=2–1
| comp=[[1978 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1978 World Cup qualification]]}}
{{Ig match
| n= 2
| d= 16 November 1977
| st=Estádio de São Luís| ci=Faro | co=Portugal
| o=Cyprus
| sc=2–0
| fr=4–0
| comp=1978 World Cup qualification}}
|}

==Honours==
'''Benfica'''
*[[Primeira Divisão]]: [[1975–76 Primeira Divisão|1975–76]], [[1976–77 Primeira Divisão|1976–77]], [[1980–81 Primeira Divisão|1980–81]], [[1982–83 Primeira Divisão|1982–83]], [[1983–84 Primeira Divisão|1983–84]], [[1988–89 Primeira Divisão|1988–89]]<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April–June 2017|title=Especial 'Tetra'|trans-title='Tetra' special edition|language=pt|magazine=Mística|location=Portugal|publisher=[[Impresa]]|issue=33|page=84|issn=3846-0823}}</ref>
*[[Taça de Portugal]]: 1979–80, 1980–81, [[1982–83 Taça de Portugal|1982–83]]<ref name="bi">{{cite magazine|date=May 2015|title=Bicampeões para a história|trans-title=Back-to-back champions for the ages|language=pt|magazine=[[Visão]]|location=Portugal|publisher=Impresa|page=54|issn=0872-3540}}</ref>
*[[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]:<ref name="bi"/> [[1980 Supertaça de Portugal|1980]], [[1989 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira|1989]]
*[[Taça de Honra]] (3)<ref name="bi"/>

'''Bordeaux'''
*[[Ligue 1]]: 1984–85, 1986–87
*[[Coupe de France]]: 1985–86, 1986–87
*[[Trophée des champions]]: 1986

'''Individual'''
*[[Portuguese Footballer of the Year]]: 1976, 1984<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/portpoy.html|title=Portugal – Footballer of the Year|website=RSSSF|first=Rui Manuel|last=Conceição Silva|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>
*[[UEFA European Championship Teams of the Tournament|UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament]]: [[UEFA Euro 1984#Awards|1984]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/euro-uefatot.html|title=European Championships – UEFA Teams of Tournament|website=RSSSF|first=Barrie|last=Courtney|access-date=14 January 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|first=Luís|last=Lopes|title=Os Magníficos: Chalana, o pequeno génio|trans-title=The Magnificents: Chalana, the little genius|date=2008|publisher=QuidNovi|isbn=978-989-554-508-7|edition=First}}

==External links==
*{{ForaDeJogo}}
*{{FPF national player|186918}}
*{{NFT player}}

{{Portugal Squad 1984 Euro Cup}}
{{UEFA Euro 1984 Team of the Tournament}}
{{Portuguese Footballer of the Year}}
{{S.L. Benfica managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chalana, Fernando}}
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Portuguese sportsmen]]
[[Category:Portuguese men's footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Barreiro, Portugal]]
[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga players]]
[[Category:Liga Portugal 2 players]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica footballers]]
[[Category:C.F. Os Belenenses players]]
[[Category:C.F. Estrela da Amadora players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:FC Girondins de Bordeaux players]]
[[Category:Portugal men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Portugal men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Portugal men's international footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1984 players]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Portuguese football managers]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga managers]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica managers]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica non-playing staff]]