View source for Simão Sabrosa

{{short description|Portuguese footballer (born 1979)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Portuguese name|Fonseca|Sabrosa}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Simão
| image = Simão Sabrosa (cropped).jpg
| upright = 1.1
| caption = Simão in 2018
| fullname = Simão Pedro da Fonseca Sabrosa<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Portugal |publisher=FIFA |page=22 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|10|31|df=yes}}<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/sabrosa-simao_prs68/person.shtml|title=Sabrosa Simao|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place = Constantim, Portugal
| height = 1.70 m<ref name=Bio/>
| position = [[Midfielder#Winger|Winger]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1990–1992 | youthclubs1 = Diogo Cão
| youthyears2 = 1992–1997 | youthclubs2 = [[Sporting CP]]
| years1 = 1997–1999 | clubs1 = [[Sporting CP]] | caps1 = 53 | goals1 = 12
| years2 = 1999–2001 | clubs2 = [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] | caps2 = 46 | goals2 = 3
| years3 = 2001–2007 | clubs3 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] | caps3 = 172 | goals3 = 75
| years4 = 2007–2010 | clubs4 = [[Atlético Madrid]] | caps4 = 113 | goals4 = 20
| years5 = 2011–2012 | clubs5 = [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] | caps5 = 46 | goals5 = 8
| years6 = 2012–2014 | clubs6 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps6 = 60 | goals6 = 3
| years7 = 2015 | clubs7 = [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] | caps7 = 10 | goals7 = 3
| totalcaps = 500 | totalgoals = 124
| nationalyears1 = 1998–2000 | nationalteam1 = [[Portugal national under-21 football team|Portugal U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 15 | nationalgoals1 = 8
| nationalyears2 = 1998–2010 | nationalteam2 = [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] | nationalcaps2 = 85 | nationalgoals2 = 22
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{medal|Country|{{fb|POR}}}}
{{Medal|Comp|[[UEFA European Championship]]|}}
{{Medal|Runner-up|[[UEFA Euro 2004|2004 Portugal]]|}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[1996 UEFA European Under-16 Championship|1996 Austria]]|}}
}}

'''Simão Pedro da Fonseca Sabrosa ''' {{post-nominals|post-noms=[[Order of Infante D. Henrique|OIH]]}} (born 31 October 1979), known [[Mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Simão''' ({{IPA|pt|siˈmɐ̃w}}), is a Portuguese former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played mainly as a [[Midfielder#Winger|left winger]], with [[Dribbling (association football)|dribbling]] and [[Set piece (football)|set piece]] skills as primary attributes.

Having played in his country for two of the [[Big Three (Portugal)|three biggest teams in the nation]], [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] and [[Sporting CP|Sporting]], he also spent several years of his professional career in Spain, notably with [[Atlético Madrid]]. He won the [[2004–05 Primeira Liga|2004–05 national championship]] with the first club and the [[2010 UEFA Europa League final|2010 Europa League]] with the third, amongst other accolades; he amassed [[Primeira Liga]] totals of 225 games and 87 goals over nine seasons, adding 219 [[La Liga]] matches and 26 goals in service of [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], Atlético and [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]].

Over a 12-year span, Simão represented [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in two [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] and as many [[UEFA European Championship|European Championships]], helping it finish second at [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]] and reach the semi-finals of the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]].

==Club career==
===Sporting===
Born in Vila Real, Simão started his career at [[Sporting CP]], whose [[Sporting CP Youth Academy|youth system]] had just produced [[Luís Figo]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jn.pt/arquivo/2007/da-escola-diogo-cao-para-o-est-relato-da-luz-696418.html|title=Da Escola Diogo Cão para o estrelato da Luz|trans-title=From the Diogo Cão School to the Luz stardom|newspaper=[[Jornal de Notícias]]|first=Rui|last=Farinha|language=pt|date=30 March 2007|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://rr.sapo.pt/2016/09/13/sporting/figo-destaca-valor-da-academia-de-alcochete/noticia/63536/|title=Figo destaca valor da academia de Alcochete|trans-title=Figo highlights worth of Alcochete's academy|publisher=[[Rádio Renascença]]|language=pt|date=13 September 2016|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref>

During his two-year spell he played 62 competitive games with the first team, his first goal coming in his debut at only 17 in a 3–0 away win against [[S.C. Salgueiros]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=180023.html|title=City diary: Lisbon|publisher=UEFA|first=Hugo|last=Pietra|date=17 May 2004|access-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131232431/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=180023.html|archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/geral/benfica/simao-100-jogos-na-i-liga-a-estreia-de-sonho-1996-97|title=Simão, 100 jogos na I Liga: a estreia de sonho (1996/97)|trans-title=Simão, 100 matches in I League: the dream debut (1996/97)|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=14 February 2003|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref>

===Barcelona===
Simão moved to [[FC Barcelona]] in the 1999 off-season on a £10 million transfer,<ref name=Ultimatum>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/840227.stm|title=Sabrosa offers Barcelona ultimatum|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=18 July 2000|access-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611012002/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/840227.stm|archive-date=11 June 2010}}</ref> partnering with Figo in [[1999–2000 La Liga|his first year]] as they finished second in [[La Liga]] to [[Deportivo de La Coruña]]. On 21 October 2000, in a match remembered for his compatriot's treatment by Barça fans on his return to the [[Camp Nou]] in the colours of new team [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]], he scored in a 2–0 ''[[El Clásico]]'' win.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/4774242/Figo-falters-in-face-of-Catalan-fury.html|title=Figo falters in face of Catalan fury|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|first=Henry|last=Winter|date=23 October 2000|access-date=14 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518150736/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/4774242/Figo-falters-in-face-of-Catalan-fury.html|archive-date=18 May 2017}}</ref>

In 2001, after a comparatively low-key tenure at the Spanish club under manager [[Louis van Gaal]], Simão spoke of his desire for a move back to Sporting.<ref name=Ultimatum/> However, he signed with [[Lisbon derby|city]] rivals [[S.L. Benfica]] for €12 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaa6f258be5-d94397400180-1000--miccoli-to-lead-benfica-line/|title=Miccoli to lead Benfica line|publisher=UEFA|date=31 August 2005|access-date=15 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110011505/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=332756.html|archive-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>

===Benfica===
Simão instantly became a fan-favorite as his new team, quickly acquiring the status of [[Captain (association football)|captain]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/interior.aspx?content_id=93939|title=O Benfica de Simão|trans-title=Simão's Benfica|newspaper=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|language=pt|date=27 July 2001|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630073653/http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/interior.aspx?content_id=93939|archive-date=30 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=174105|title=Simão é o capitão|trans-title=Simão is the captain|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=24 September 2003|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630073809/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=174105|archive-date=30 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=300040|title=Simão até ao fim|trans-title=Simão until the end|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=19 March 2007|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630073740/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=300040|archive-date=30 June 2015}}</ref> Also, during his six-year stint, he always finished as their top scorer, also ranking high in the global domestic charts, notably in the [[2002–03 Primeira Liga|2002–03 season]] as he scored a [[Primeira Liga]] and career-best 18 goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=162613|title=Em nome de Simão|trans-title=In the name of Simão|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=1 June 2003|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630074109/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=162613|archive-date=30 June 2015}}</ref>

In [[2003–04 S.L. Benfica season|the following campaign]], Simão scored Benfica's second goal in a 2–1 [[Overtime (sports)|extra-time]] victory over [[FC Porto]] in [[2004 Taça de Portugal Final|the final]] of the [[Taça de Portugal]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2004/05/16/desporto/noticia/benfica-vence-taca-de-portugal-21-1193962|title=Benfica vence Taça de Portugal (2–1)|trans-title=Benfica win Portuguese Cup (2–1)|newspaper=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]]|language=pt|date=16 May 2004|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506021947/https://www.publico.pt/2004/05/16/desporto/noticia/benfica-vence-taca-de-portugal-21-1193962|archive-date=6 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/0220-0e906b50025d-46c52645001b-1000--snap-shot-when-benfica-beat-mourinho-s-porto/|title=Snap shot: When Benfica beat Mourinho's Porto|publisher=UEFA|first=Pedro|last=Gonçalves|date=25 April 2015|access-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902051512/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=por/news/newsid=2237035.html|archive-date=2 September 2016}}</ref> ending the club's eight-year silverware drought. In [[2004–05 Primeira Liga|2004–05]], as the side won the national championship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/portchamp.html|title=Portugal – List of Champions|first=Paulo|last=Claro|access-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live|website=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601044940/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/portchamp.html|archive-date=1 June 2012}}</ref> after an 11-year wait, he played in all the matches and minutes, netting 15 times. They also reached [[2005 Taça de Portugal Final|the domestic cup final]] in a 1–2 loss against [[Vitória F.C.|Vitória de Setúbal]], with him scoring through a fourth-minute [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/01a9-0e6cce067d61-0ec17f4c66e2-1000--meyong-magic-seals-setubal-joy/|title=Meyong magic seals Setúbal joy|publisher=UEFA|first=Rui|last=Matos Pereira|date=29 May 2005|access-date=3 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108011341/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=305587.html|archive-date=8 January 2016}}</ref> in [[2004–05 UEFA Cup|the campaign]]'s [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] he also appeared in all the matches, netting four times including twice against [[Dukla Banská Bystrica]] in a 3–0 away win,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/history/season=2004/round=1975/match=79564/index.html|title=Banská Bystrica 0–3 Benfica|publisher=UEFA|date=16 September 2004|access-date=7 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518180301/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/history/season=2004/round=1975/match=79564/index.html|archive-date=18 May 2008}}</ref> with his team eventually reaching the [[Single-elimination tournament|round-of-32]].

The 2005 summer [[transfer window]] saw Simão targeted by Liverpool<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-confident-they-will-land-1638m-simao-521633.html|title=Liverpool confident they will land £8m Simao|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|location=London|first=Sam|last=Wallace|date=5 January 2006|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802063440/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-confident-they-will-land-1638m-simao-521633.html|archive-date=2 August 2010}}</ref> in an offer worth approximately £12 million, though negotiations reportedly failed over Benfica's increase in asking price.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4200936.stm|title=Liverpool fail in move for Simao|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2005|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125052839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4200936.stm|archive-date=25 January 2011}}</ref> He continued his excellent form into [[2005–06 Primeira Liga|2005–06]], helping his side in the [[UEFA Champions League]] campaign, where they made it to [[2005–06 UEFA Champions League|the quarter-finals]]. He played in eight of a possible ten matches in the tournament, including the 1–2 loss at [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the group stage, firing his team level shortly before the hour with a [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] after he himself had been fouled by [[Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)|Alan Smith]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2201/match=1100273/index.html|title=United save their best until last|publisher=UEFA|date=27 September 2005|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331190111/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2201/match=1100273/index.html|archive-date=31 March 2009}}</ref> in the knockout stages he helped stun [[2004–05 UEFA Champions League|title holders]] [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top left-hand corner of [[Pepe Reina]]'s goal, as the Portuguese won 2–0 at [[Anfield]] and 3–0 overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2202/match=1102856/index.html|title=Simão sends Liverpool crashing out|publisher=UEFA|date=8 March 2006|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414030428/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2202/match=1102856/index.html|archive-date=14 April 2009}}</ref>

The following year several clubs, such as Manchester United and again Liverpool also revealed interest in Simão,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/5137822.stm|title=Sunday's gossip column|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2006|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824042105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/5137822.stm|archive-date=24 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6586585.stm|title=Tuesday's gossip column|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2007|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922033004/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6586585.stm|archive-date=22 September 2007}}</ref> but he decided to stay at the [[Estádio da Luz]].

===Atlético Madrid===
[[File:Simao (Madrid).jpg|thumb|200px|Simão (right) speaking with referee [[Frank De Bleeckere]] during a match for [[Atlético Madrid]]]]
Finally, on 26 July 2007, [[Atlético Madrid]] reached an agreement to sign Simão from Benfica for a fee of €20 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web3.cmvm.pt/sdi2004/emitentes/docs/FR14385.pdf|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|publisher=[[Portuguese Securities Market Commission]]|language=pt|date=26 July 2007|access-date=10 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530120159/http://web3.cmvm.pt/sdi2004/emitentes/docs/FR14385.pdf|archive-date=30 May 2011}}</ref> During his first two seasons, in which he was an undisputed starter, he scored seven goals apiece,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/futbol/noticias/460091/04/08/El-Atletico-encuentra-a-Simao-en-el-tramo-clave.html|title=El Atlético encuentra a Simao en el tramo clave|trans-title=Atlético find Simao down the stretch|newspaper=[[El Economista (Spain)|El Economista]]|language=es|date=7 April 2008|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> as the team finished fourth in the top division on both occasions.

On 12 April 2009, Simão entered in the hundred-year history of the [[Madrid|capital]] club by scoring its 4,000th goal in the league with a left-footed diagonal shot against Deportivo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sevilla.abc.es/atletico-madrid/abci-diez-goles-inolvidables-atletico-liga-201701280821_noticia.html|title=Diez goles inolvidables del Atlético en la Liga|trans-title=Ten unforgettable Atlético League goals|newspaper=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]]|language=es|date=28 January 2017|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> In the ensuing summer he became one of Atlético's captains for [[2009–10 La Liga|the new campaign]], receiving that role from coach [[Abel Resino]] after a reshuffle;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/07/21/1394820/simao-sabrosa-proud-to-captain-atletico-madrid|title=Simao Sabrosa proud to captain Atletico Madrid|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|first=Lucas|last=Brown|date=21 July 2009|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825111800/http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/07/21/1394820/simao-sabrosa-proud-to-captain-atletico-madrid|archive-date=25 August 2009}}</ref> as the ''Colchoneros'' underachieved overall, he scored in the [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] at [[APOEL FC]] in a 1–1 away draw, a goal that secured the club's place in [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League|the season]]'s UEFA Europa League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=2000028/match=2000435/index.html|title=APOEL denied by Simão strike|publisher=UEFA|date=25 November 2009|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110201021/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=2000028/match=2000435/index.html|archive-date=10 January 2010}}</ref>

On 14 January 2010, Simão scored twice in a 5–1 home victory over [[Recreativo de Huelva]] that qualified to [[2009–10 Copa del Rey|the quarter-finals]] of the [[Copa del Rey]] (5–4 on aggregate), including through an 83rd-minute free kick from 20 metres to decide the tie.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/marcador/futbol/2009_10/copa/octavos/vuelta/atm_rec/|title=Cuando la realidad supera a la ficción|trans-title=When reality is greater than fiction|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|first=Manuel|last=Malagón|language=es|date=14 January 2010|access-date=13 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514100238/http://www.marca.com/marcador/futbol/2009_10/copa/octavos/vuelta/atm_rec/|archive-date=14 May 2014}}</ref> He also grabbed an important goal in the Europa League against [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray SK]] as the team eventually won the competition, with the player appearing in [[2010 UEFA Europa League Final|the final]] against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8675486.stm|title=Atletico Madrid 2–1 Fulham|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Phil|last=McNulty|date=12 May 2010|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513033124/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8675486.stm|archive-date=13 May 2010}}</ref>

Simão began the [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11 season]] on a high note, scoring three goals in the first seven games – notably in a 1–1 draw at [[Valencia CF]] on 22 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2010/09/23/deportes/1285192806_850215.html|title=Aduriz iguala la pizarra de Quique Flores|trans-title=Aduriz equals Quique Flores' playbook|newspaper=[[El País]]|first=Cayetano|last=Ros|language=es|date=23 September 2010|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> He also captained the side more frequently due to the absence of [[Antonio López (footballer, born 1981)|Antonio López]], most notably in the [[UEFA Super Cup]]'s [[2010 UEFA Super Cup|2–0 defeat]] of [[Inter Milan]], where he set up a goal for [[Sergio Agüero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50f4f19130-5c9480f437c7-1000--reyes-realises-goal-dream/|title=Reyes realises goal dream|publisher=UEFA|first=Kevin|last=Ashby|date=27 August 2010|access-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011123/http://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid=1520426.html#reyes+realises+goal+dream|archive-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>

===Beşiktaş===
On 22 December 2010, aged 31, Sabrosa signed with [[Süper Lig]]'s [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş JK]] for €900,000,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clubatleticodemadrid.com/Web/noticia/template_noticia/noticia1.php?idnoticia=16147&previo=1|title=Simão Sabrosa abandona el Atlético de Madrid y ficha por el Besiktas|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa leaves Atlético de Madrid and signs with Besiktas|publisher=Atlético Madrid|language=es|date=22 December 2010|access-date=22 December 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225231100/http://www.clubatleticodemadrid.com/Web/noticia/template_noticia/noticia1.php?idnoticia=16147&previo=1|archive-date=25 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjk.com.tr/tr/haberler.php?h_no=19243 |title=Simao Sabrosa Beşiktaş'ta|trans-title=Simao Sabrosa a Beşiktaş player|publisher=Beşiktaş J.K|language=tr|date=23 December 2010|access-date=23 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226150113/http://www.bjk.com.tr/tr/haberler.php?h_no=19243|archive-date=26 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=137561|title=Beşiktaş futbol yatirimlari sanayi ve ticaret A.Ş. / BJKAS|trans-title=Beşiktaş football investments industry and trade Inc. / BJKAS|publisher=KAP|language=tr|date=23 December 2010|access-date=8 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116024229/http://kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=137561|archive-date=16 January 2011}}</ref> reuniting with Portugal teammates [[Hugo Almeida]] and [[Ricardo Quaresma]]. On 11 May 2011, he scored the decisive penalty in [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|the shootout]] as they [[2010–11 Turkish Cup|won]] the [[Turkish Cup]] against [[İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.|İstanbul Başakşehir FK]] (4–3, 2–2 after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/futebol-internacional/simao-marca-penalti-decisivo_d441057|title=Simão marca penalti decisivo|trans-title=Simão scores decisive penalty|publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]]|language=pt|date=11 May 2011|access-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075225/https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/futebol-internacional/simao-marca-penalti-decisivo_d441057|archive-date=1 April 2018}}</ref>

Simão faced his previous team in the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League|2011–12 Europa League round-of-16]], scoring in a 1–3 loss at the [[Vicente Calderón Stadium]] (1–6 on aggregate).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01fb-0e7d146cc16a-bd79cdc6790d-1000--atletico-advantage-reduced-by-old-boy-simao/|title=Atlético advantage reduced by old boy Simão|publisher=UEFA|first=Paul|last=Bryan|date=8 March 2012|access-date=15 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311213500/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000274/match=2007458/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=11 March 2012}}</ref>

===Espanyol===
Simão joined [[RCD Espanyol]] on a [[Free transfer (association football)|free transfer]] on 17 August 2012, signing a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdespanyol.com/ingles/index.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=833&idsite=1&Amenu=detalleNoticia|title=Simao, happy to join RCD Espanyol|publisher=RCD Espanyol|date=20 August 2012|access-date=20 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130720153119/http://www.rcdespanyol.com/ingles/index.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=833&idsite=1&Amenu=detalleNoticia|archive-date=20 July 2013}}</ref> He scored his first goal with his new club on 7 December, featuring as a second-half [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] for [[Rui Fonte]] and heading in from a [[corner kick]] in an eventual 2–2 home draw against [[Sevilla FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/280411/commentary|title=Sevilla make point|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|date=7 December 2012|access-date=17 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518034644/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/280411/commentary|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref>

Simão was released on 22 May 2014, alongside [[Joan Capdevila]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/05/22/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1400754064.html|title=Capdevila y Simao dejan el Espanyol|trans-title=Capdevila and Simao leave Espanyol|newspaper=Marca|first=Cristina|last=Navarro|language=es|date=22 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522144506/http://www.marca.com/2014/05/22/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1400754064.html|archive-date=22 May 2014}}</ref> In April 2015, having been inactive for ten months, he said that he was finding it difficult to attract a new club at the age of 35, and was considering the possibility of entering management.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport-english.com/en/news/world-football/former-barca-and-espanyol-man-simao-sabrosa-set-retire-from-football-4137980|title=Former Barça and Espanyol man Simao Sabrosa set to retire from football|newspaper=[[Sport (Spanish newspaper)|Sport]]|date=27 April 2015|access-date=21 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602050714/http://www.sport-english.com/en/news/world-football/former-barca-and-espanyol-man-simao-sabrosa-set-retire-from-football-4137980|archive-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

===NorthEast United===
On 25 June 2015, [[Indian Super League]] club [[NorthEast United FC]] announced they had signed Simão as a marquee player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/7083/isl/2015/06/25/13037862/simao-announced-as-northeast-uniteds-marquee-signing|title=Simao announced as NorthEast United's marquee signing|publisher=Goal|date=25 June 2015|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627171707/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/7083/isl/2015/06/25/13037862/simao-announced-as-northeast-uniteds-marquee-signing|archive-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2504783/former-portugal-and-barcelona-winger-simao-sabrosa-joins-isl|title=Former Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa joins Indian Super League|publisher=[[ESPN FC]]|date=26 June 2015|access-date=26 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627054735/http://www.espnfcasia.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2504783/former-portugal-and-barcelona-winger-simao-sabrosa-joins-isl|archive-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> He captained the team in his debut match on 9 September, also scoring in the [[Exhibition game|friendly]] with [[AmaZulu F.C.|AmaZulu FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://neutdfc.com/preseason-tour-amazulu-fc-vs-northeast-united-fc-match-report|title=Preseason Tour: AmaZulu FC vs NorthEast United FC – Match Report|publisher=NorthEast United|date=9 September 2015|access-date=9 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911230941/http://neutdfc.com/preseason-tour-amazulu-fc-vs-northeast-united-fc-match-report/|archive-date=11 September 2015}}</ref>

Initially sidelined by injury,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/isl-2015-in-first-touch-marquee-players-far-from-their-best/|title=ISL 2015: In first touch, marquee players far from their best|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|first=Mihir|last=Vasavda|date=7 October 2015|access-date=20 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011013339/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/isl-2015-in-first-touch-marquee-players-far-from-their-best/|archive-date=11 October 2015}}</ref> Simão made his competitive debut on 20 October against [[Chennaiyin FC]] at the [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium|Indira Gandhi Stadium]], replacing [[Francis Dadzie]] after 74 minutes and winning a last-minute penalty which he converted to open a 2–0 win which gave the team their first points of [[2015 Indian Super League season|the season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/northeast-united-vs-chennaiyin-fc/2037307/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|title=Indian Super League: NorthEast United 2–0 Chennaiyin FC: Simao & Velez earn first points for NorthEast|publisher=Goal|date=20 October 2015|access-date=20 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108011341/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/northeast-united-vs-chennaiyin-fc/2037307/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|archive-date=8 January 2016}}</ref> On 3 November, immediately after replacing compatriot [[Silas (Portuguese footballer)|Silas]], he scored a free kick to close a 1–1 draw at [[Delhi Dynamos FC]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/delhi-dynamos-vs-northeast-united/2037319/report|title=Indian Super League: Delhi Dynamos 1–1 NorthEast United FC: Simao free-kick secures a point for the visitors|publisher=Goal|first=Shikharr|last=Chandra|date=3 November 2015|access-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106070233/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/delhi-dynamos-vs-northeast-united/2037319/report|archive-date=6 November 2015}}</ref> four days later, from the penalty spot, he decided an away win at [[ATK (football club)|Atlético de Kolkata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/footballnext/news/isl-simao-sabrosa-helps-northeast-united-fc-get-past-atletico-de-kolkata-1-0-1161884.html|title=ISL: Simao Sabrosa helps NorthEast United FC get past Atletico de Kolkata 1–0|website=[[News18]]|date=7 November 2015|access-date=7 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108175635/http://www.ibnlive.com/footballnext/news/isl-simao-sabrosa-helps-northeast-united-fc-get-past-atletico-de-kolkata-1-0-1161884.html|archive-date=8 November 2015}}</ref>

===Post-retirement===
Simão returned to Benfica on 14 September 2017, being appointed head of international relations after longtime club and international teammate [[Nuno Gomes]], who had just left his post as director of the [[Benfica Futebol Campus|Futebol Campus]] academy in [[Seixal]], rejected the offer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/interior/simao-sabrosa-e-o-novo-responsavel-pela-relacoes-internacionais-do-benfica-8772424.html|title=Simão Sabrosa é o novo responsável pela relações internacionais do Benfica|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa is the new head of international relations at Benfica|publisher=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]]|first1=Paula|last1=Dias|first2=Jorge|last2=Garcia|language=pt|date=15 September 2017|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916053357/http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/interior/simao-sabrosa-e-o-novo-responsavel-pela-relacoes-internacionais-do-benfica-8772424.html|archive-date=16 September 2017}}</ref>

==International career==
Simão's path to the Portugal national team began when he won the [[UEFA European Under-17 Championship|UEFA European Under-16 Championship]] in [[1996 UEFA European Under-16 Championship|1996]]. The following year he began playing for [[Portugal national under-18 football team|the under-18s]], being a regular in the [[Portugal national under-21 football team|under-21 side]] two years later.

Simão made his full debut for [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] at only 19 years of age, scoring on 18 November 1998 against [[Israel national football team|Israel]], but was not included in the squad for [[UEFA Euro 2000]].<ref name=Ultimatum/> He also did not make the list for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] due to injury,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2002/05/14/jornal/operacao-mundial-comecou-ontem-sem-grandes-surpresas-170478|title=Operação Mundial começou ontem sem grandes surpresas|trans-title=Operation World Cup started off with no major surprises|newspaper=Público|first=José J.|last=Mateus|language=pt|date=14 May 2002|access-date=14 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506021947/https://www.publico.pt/2002/05/14/jornal/operacao-mundial-comecou-ontem-sem-grandes-surpresas-170478|archive-date=6 May 2018}}</ref> but he did participate at [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]] where the hosts finished in second place. He played in three of his country's six matches, his most notable appearance coming against [[England national football team|England]] in the quarter-finals: he came on as a second-half substitute and seized on [[Frank Lampard]]'s wayward pass and crossed for [[Hélder Postiga]], who headed in unmarked scoring the equalising goal in the late minutes of the game, bringing it to extra time and an eventual successful penalty shootout, where he converted his attempt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2004/round=1582/match=1059188/index.html|title=Hosts hold their nerve|publisher=UEFA|date=24 June 2004|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925075829/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2004/round=1582/match=1059188/index.html|archive-date=25 September 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Portugal 2-3 Denmark, Simão2.jpg|thumb|right|285px|Simão in a [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|2010 World Cup qualifier]] against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]]]]
Simão was also selected for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] in Germany, finishing fourth overall. He made six appearances in the tournament, scoring only one goal on the 24th minute against [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]], in a 2–1 group stage win;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/worldcup/fixturesresults/round=2259/match=82381/report=rp.html|title=Portugal progress as pool winners|publisher=UEFA|date=21 June 2006|access-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515134812/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/worldcup/fixturesresults/round%3D2259/match%3D82381/report%3Drp.html|archive-date=15 May 2007}}</ref> on 1 July, in the quarter-finals, Portugal and England met again in a penalty shootout (0–0 after 120 minutes) and he helped to another victory, netting his attempt for the final 3–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991618.stm|title=England 0–0 Portugal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2006|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903081657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991618.stm|archive-date=3 September 2017}}</ref>

In [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]], Simão played in three of Portugal's matches and did not find the net, as the nation was eliminated in the quarter-finals by [[Germany national football team|Germany]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15094/match=301699/report=rp.html|title=Portugal ousted by German power show|publisher=UEFA|date=19 June 2008|access-date=7 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He did finish as his team's top scorer during the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|qualifying phase]] for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] with four goals, including two in a 3–0 home defeat of [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1116039.html#simao+brace+propels+portugal|title=Simao brace propels Portugal|publisher=FIFA|date=10 October 2009|access-date=7 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013142924/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1116039.html#simao+brace+propels+portugal|archive-date=13 October 2009}}</ref>

Simão was selected for the finals in South Africa. A starter from the second group stage fixture he scored precisely in that game, through a right-footed low shot in a 7–0 rout of [[North Korea national football team|North Korea]] on 21 June 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/sports/soccer/22portugalgame.html|title=Portugal pours it on in second half|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|date=21 June 2010|access-date=6 June 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309024210/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/sports/soccer/22portugalgame.html|archive-date=9 March 2014}}</ref>

On 27 August 2010, Simão stepped down from the national squad citing personal reasons,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2885/europe/2010/08/27/2090952/portugal-winger-simao-sabrosa-retires-from-international|title=Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa retires from international football|publisher=Goal|first=Luís|last=Mira|date=27 August 2010|access-date=31 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904133337/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2885/europe/2010/08/27/2090952/portugal-winger-simao-sabrosa-retires-from-international|archive-date=4 September 2010}}</ref> and earned 85 [[Cap (sport)|caps]] over his 12-year spell, netting 22 goals.<ref name=RSSSF>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/simao-intlg.html|title=Simao Pedro Fonseca Sabrosa – Goals in International Matches|first=Roberto|last=Mamrud|access-date=30 December 2013|url-status=live|website=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131165548/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/simao-intlg.html|archive-date=31 January 2014}}</ref>

==Outside football==
===Personal life===
Simão was married to Filipa Valente for ten years, before their divorce in August 2011. The couple had a daughter and a son together.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lifestyle.sapo.pt/fama/noticias-fama/artigos/filipa-sabrosa-confirma-divorcio|title=Filipa Sabrosa confirma divórcio|trans-title=Filipa Sabrosa confirms divorce|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=24 August 2011|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102906/http://lifestyle.sapo.pt/fama/noticias-fama/artigos/filipa-sabrosa-confirma-divorcio|archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref> In 2014, he fathered a son who was also given his name, born to Vanessa Rebelo, the ex-wife of his former Benfica teammate [[Bruno Aguiar (Portuguese footballer)|Bruno Aguiar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lux.iol.pt/nacional/famosos/fotos-simao-sabrosa-e-vanessa-aguiar-rebelo-batizam-simao|title=Fotos: Simão Sabrosa e Vanessa Aguiar Rebelo batizam Simão|trans-title=Photos: Simão Sabrosa and Vanessa Aguiar Rebelo baptise Simão|publisher=Lux|first=Evelise|last=Moutinho|language=pt|date=28 June 2015|access-date=29 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822125515/http://www.lux.iol.pt/nacional/famosos/fotos-simao-sabrosa-e-vanessa-aguiar-rebelo-batizam-simao|archive-date=22 August 2015}}</ref>

In March 2009, Simão took leave from Atlético to aid in the search for Diogo, the four-year-old son of his elder brother Serafim, who was reported missing when playing in the sea off [[Matosinhos]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2009/03/17/futbol/equipos/atletico/1237297717.html|title=Simao viajó el lunes a Portugal por un drama familiar|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa travelled to Portugal on Monday due to a family crisis|newspaper=Marca|first1=A.R.|last1=Barbero|first2=L.|last2=Aznar|language=es|date=17 March 2009|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518080547/http://www.marca.com/2009/03/17/futbol/equipos/atletico/1237297717.html|archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref> It was later confirmed that he had drowned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://caras.sapo.pt/famosos/2009-03-20-irmao-de-simao-sabrosa-desolado-com-a-morte-do-filho|title=Irmão de Simão Sabrosa desolada com a morte do filho|trans-title=Brother of Simão Sabrosa devastated by death of his son|publisher=Caras|language=pt|date=20 March 2009|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150512010717/http://caras.sapo.pt/famosos/2009-03-20-irmao-de-simao-sabrosa-desolado-com-a-morte-do-filho|archive-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>

===Other ventures===
Simão launched an instructional DVD titled ''Como Se Faz um Campeão'' (''How to Make a Champion''),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdpt.com/s/simao_sabrosa_como_se_faz_um_campeao.php|title=Simão Sabrosa – Como Se Faz Um Campeão|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa – How To Make A Champion|publisher=DVD.pt|language=pt|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605121904/http://www.dvdpt.com/s/simao_sabrosa_como_se_faz_um_campeao.php|archive-date=5 June 2009}}</ref> and was the protagonist of a campaign for television channel [[Sport TV]] HD.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dn.sapo.pt/Inicio/interior.aspx?content_id=1129319|title=Simão é rosto de campanha do canal HD da Sport TV|trans-title=Simão is face of Sport TV HD channel's campaign|newspaper=[[Diário de Notícias]]|language=pt|date=2 September 2008|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708105502/http://dn.sapo.pt/Inicio/interior.aspx?content_id=1129319|archive-date=8 July 2012}}</ref> In June 2016, he began working there as pundit and interviewer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destak.pt/artigo/267737|title=Simão Sabrosa é o novo comentador da Sport TV|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa is Sport TV's new commentator|publisher=Destak|language=pt|date=23 May 2016|access-date=9 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211083605/http://www.destak.pt/artigo/267737|archive-date=11 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/media/interior/sport-tv-novos-conteudos-imagem-e-comentadores-5318339.html|title=Sport TV: novos conteúdos, imagem e comentadores|trans-title=Sport TV: new contents, outline and commentators|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|first=Carolina|last=Morais|language=pt|date=2 August 2016|access-date=9 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075901/http://www.dn.pt/media/interior/sport-tv-novos-conteudos-imagem-e-comentadores-5318339.html|archive-date=11 February 2017}}</ref> He featured on the cover of the Portuguese edition of the video game ''[[FIFA 10]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portugal.ea.com/games/17189,pcdvd/news/57749/|title=Simão Sabrosa imagem FIFA 10 em Portugal|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa FIFA 10 cover in Portugal|publisher=EA Portugal|language=pt|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505092739/http://www.portugal.ea.com/games/17189,pcdvd/news/57749/|archive-date=5 May 2011}}</ref> and in 2010, he appeared in an advertisement for [[McDonald's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.briefing.pt/publicidade/8641-simao-sabrosa-na-nova-campanha-europoupanca-da-mcdonalds.html|title=Simão Sabrosa na nova campanha "Europoupança" da McDonald's|trans-title=Simão Sabrosa in McDonald's new "Eurosaver" campaign|publisher=Briefing|language=pt|date=26 January 2010|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095502/http://www.briefing.pt/publicidade/8641-simao-sabrosa-na-nova-campanha-europoupanca-da-mcdonalds.html|archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Sporting CP|Sporting]]
|{{nowrap|[[1996–97 Primeira Liga|1996–97]]}}<ref name=FJ>{{ForaDeJogo|197910310001|access-date=28 June 2015}}</ref>
|rowspan="3"|[[Primeira Liga]]
|2||1||1||0||0||0||3||1
|-
|[[1997–98 Primeira Liga|1997–98]]<ref name=FJ/>
|21||1||3||0||2{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]|name=UCL}}||0||26||1
|-
|[[1998–99 Primeira Liga|1998–99]]<ref name=FJ/>
|30||10||1||0||2{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]|name=UC}}||0||33||10
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!53!!12!!5!!0!!4!!0!!62!!12
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
|[[1999–2000 FC Barcelona season|1999–2000]]<ref name=BD>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j2515.html|title=Simao: Simao Pedro Fonseca Sabrosa|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=28 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518205533/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j2515.html|archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|[[La Liga]]
|21||1||4{{efn|Includes one appearance in [[Supercopa de España]]|name=SSC}}||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||32||1
|-
|[[2000–01 FC Barcelona season|2000–01]]<ref name=BD/>
|25||2||4||1||9{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League|name=UECLC}}||0||38||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!46!!3!!8!!1!!16!!0!!70!!4
|-
|rowspan="7"|[[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]]
|[[2001–02 S.L. Benfica season|2001–02]]<ref name=FJ/>
|rowspan="6"|Primeira Liga
|26||11||1||0||colspan="2"|—|||27||11
|-
|[[2002–03 S.L. Benfica season|2002–03]]<ref name=FJ/>
|33||18||0||0||colspan="2"|—|||33||18
|-
|[[2003–04 S.L. Benfica season|2003–04]]<ref name=FJ/>
|31||12||4||1||10{{efn|name=UECLC}}||2||45||15
|-
|[[2004–05 S.L. Benfica season|2004–05]]<ref name=FJ/>
|34||15||4||3||10{{efn|name=UECLC}}||4||48||22
|-
|[[2005–06 S.L. Benfica season|2005–06]]<ref name=FJ/>
|24||8||3||2||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||35||12
|-
|[[2006–07 S.L. Benfica season|2006–07]]<ref name=FJ/>
|24||11||3||1||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||39||16
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!172!!75!!15!!7!!40!!12!!227!!94
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Atlético Madrid]]
|[[2007–08 Atlético Madrid season|2007–08]]<ref name=BD/>
|rowspan="4"|La Liga
|30||7||3||0||8{{efn|name=UC}}||3||41||10
|-
|[[2008–09 Atlético Madrid season|2008–09]]<ref name=BD/>
|33||7||3||0||8{{efn|name=UC}}||2||44||9
|-
|[[2009–10 Atlético Madrid season|2009–10]]<ref name=BD/>
|34||2||8||3||17{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League|name=UELC}}||2||59||7
|-
|[[2010–11 Atlético Madrid season|2010–11]]<ref name=BD/>
|16||4||1||1||7{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League and [[UEFA Super Cup]]|name=UELSC}}||1||24||6
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!113!!20!!15!!4!!40!!8!!168!!32
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]]
|[[2010–11 Beşiktaş J.K. season|2010–11]]<ref name=SW>{{Soccerway|simao/378|Simão|accessdate=28 June 2015}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|[[Süper Lig]]
|15||5||5||3||colspan="2"|—||20||8
|-
|[[2011–12 Beşiktaş J.K. season|2011–12]]<ref name=SW/>
|31||3||2||0||9{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League|name=UEL}}||2||42||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!46!!8!!7!!3!!9!!2!!62!!13
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
|[[2012–13 RCD Espanyol season|2012–13]]<ref name=BD/>
|rowspan="2"|La Liga
|26||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||27||3
|-
|[[2013–14 RCD Espanyol season|2013–14]]<ref name=SW/>
|34||0||2||2||colspan="2"|—||36||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!60!!3!!3!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!63!!5
|-
|[[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]]
|[[2015 NorthEast United FC season|2015]]<ref name=SW/>
|[[Indian Super League]]
|10||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||3
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!500!!124!!53!!18!!103!!19!!656!!161
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/port-recintlp.html|title=Portugal – Record International Players|first=José Luis|last=Pierrend|access-date=24 July 2015|url-status=live|website=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006075950/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/port-recintlp.html|archive-date=6 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fpf.pt/pt/Jogadores/Jogador/playerId/430029|title=Simão Sabrosa|publisher=[[Portuguese Football Federation]]|language=pt|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006053122/http://www.fpf.pt/pt/Jogadores/Jogador/playerId/430029|archive-date=6 October 2017}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="13"|[[Portugal national football team|Portugal]]
|1998||1||1
|-
|1999||0||0
|-
|2000||5||0
|-
|2001||5||0
|-
|2002||4||0
|-
|2003||8||3
|-
|2004||12||1
|-
|2005||5||2
|-
|2006||12||5
|-
|2007||6||2
|-
|2008||9||4
|-
|2009||11||3
|-
|2010||7||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!85!!22
|}

:''Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sabrosa goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Simão Sabrosa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=18276|title=Simão Sabrosa|publisher=European Football|language=pt|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref><ref name=RSSSF/>
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
|style="text-align:center"|1
|18 November 1998
|[[Estádio do Bonfim|Bonfim]], [[Setúbal]], Portugal
|{{fb|Israel}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|style="text-align:center"|2
|30 April 2003
|[[Philips Stadion]], [[Eindhoven]], Netherlands
|{{fb|Netherlands}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|3
|20 August 2003
|[[Estádio Municipal de Chaves|Estádio Municipal]], [[Chaves (Portugal)|Chaves]], Portugal
|{{fb|Kazakhstan}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|4
|11 October 2003
|[[Estádio do Restelo|Restelo]], [[Lisbon]], Portugal
|{{fb|Albania}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|style="text-align:center"|5–3
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|5
|13 October 2004
|[[Estádio José Alvalade|José Alvalade]], [[Lisbon]], Portugal
|{{fb|Russia}}
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|style="text-align:center"|7–1
|[[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 3|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|style="text-align:center"|6
|rowspan="2"|3 September 2005
|rowspan="2"|[[Estádio Algarve]], [[Faro, Portugal]]
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Luxembourg}}
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|6–0
|rowspan="2"|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|style="text-align:center"|7
|style="text-align:center"|6–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|8.
|rowspan="2"|3 June 2006
|rowspan="2"|[[Stade Saint-Symphorien|Saint-Symphorien]], [[Metz]], France
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Luxembourg}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0
|rowspan="2"|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|9
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|10
|21 June 2006
|[[Veltins-Arena]], [[Gelsenkirchen]], Germany
|{{fb|Mexico}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|[[2006 FIFA World Cup Group D|2006 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|style="text-align:center"|11
|rowspan="2"|15 November 2006
|rowspan="2"|[[Estádio Cidade de Coimbra|Cidade de Coimbra]], [[Coimbra]], Portugal
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Kazakhstan}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0
|rowspan="2"|[[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group A|UEFA Euro 2008 qualification]]
|-
|style="text-align:center"|12
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|13
|6 February 2007
|[[Emirates Stadium]], London, England
|{{fb|Brazil}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|14
|12 September 2007
|[[Estádio José Alvalade|José Alvalade]], [[Lisbon]], Portugal
|{{fb|Serbia|2004}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
|-
|style="text-align:center"|15
|31 May 2008
|[[Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa|Dr. Magalhães Pessoa]], [[Leiria]], Portugal
|{{fb|Georgia}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|16
|20 August 2008
|[[Estádio Municipal de Aveiro|Estádio Municipal]], [[Aveiro, Portugal]]
|{{fb|Faroe Islands}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|17
|6 September 2008
|[[Ta' Qali Stadium]], [[Ta' Qali]], Malta
|{{fb|Malta}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|[[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|style="text-align:center"|18
|19 November 2008
|[[Bezerrão]], [[Gama, Federal District|Gama]], Brazil
|{{fb|Brazil}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–4
|style="text-align:center"|2–6
|Friendly
|-
|style="text-align:center"|19
|rowspan="2"|10 October 2009
|rowspan="2"|[[Estádio da Luz]], Lisbon, Portugal
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Hungary}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0
|rowspan="2"|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|style="text-align:center"|20
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|21
|14 October 2009
|[[Estádio D. Afonso Henriques|D. Afonso Henriques]], [[Guimarães]], Portugal
|{{fb|Malta}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|style="text-align:center"|22
|21 June 2010
|[[Cape Town Stadium]], [[Cape Town]], South Africa
|{{fb|North Korea}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|7–0
|[[2010 FIFA World Cup Group G|2010 FIFA World Cup]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Benfica'''
*[[Primeira Liga]]: [[2004–05 Primeira Liga|2004–05]]
*[[Taça de Portugal]]: [[2003–04 Taça de Portugal|2003–04]]
*[[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]: [[2005 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira|2005]]

'''Atlético Madrid'''
*[[UEFA Europa League]]: [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League|2009–10]]
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2010 UEFA Super Cup|2010]]
*[[Copa del Rey]] runner-up: [[2009–10 Copa del Rey|2009–10]]

'''Beşiktaş'''
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[2010–11 Turkish Cup|2010–11]]

'''Portugal'''
*[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship|UEFA European Under-16 Championship]]: [[1996 UEFA European Under-16 Championship|1996]]
*[[UEFA European Championship]] runner-up: [[UEFA Euro 2004|2004]]

'''Individual'''
*[[Bola de Prata (Portugal)|Bola de Prata]]: [[2002–03 Primeira Liga|2002–03]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/porttops.html|title=Portugal – List of Topscorers|first1=Paulo|last1=Claro|first2=Simon|last2=Preston|first3=João|last3=Nunes|first4=Roberto|last4=Di Maggio|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|website=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118103450/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/porttops.html|archive-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>
*[[LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year]]: [[2006–07 Primeira Liga|2006–07]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=310510|title=Simão foi o melhor da época|trans-title=Simão was the best of the season|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=2 July 2007|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142524/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=310510|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnid.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=38|title=Veloso é a revelação, Simão é a consagração|trans-title=Veloso is the newcomer, Simão the consecration|publisher=CNID|language=pt|date=30 June 2007|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626112206/http://www.cnid.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=38|archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref>
*[[Cosme Damião]] Awards – Footballer of the Year: 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/gala-do-benfica-aimar-distinguido-como-o-melhor-de-2010-11|title=Gala do Benfica: Aimar distinguido como o melhor de 2010/11|trans-title=Benfica Gala: Aimar distinguished as the best of 2010–11|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=29 February 2012|access-date=1 March 2016|quote=Simão (2006)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301183909/http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/gala-do-benfica-aimar-distinguido-como-o-melhor-de-2010-11|archive-date=1 March 2016}}</ref>
*[[CNID Footballer of the Year#CNID Best Portuguese Athlete Abroad (2006–)|CNID Best Portuguese Athlete Abroad]]: 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnid.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid=38|title=Rosa Mota e Carlos Lopes recebem prémio Fernando Soromenho|trans-title=Rosa Mota and Carlos Lopes receive Fernando Soromenho Award|agency=Associação dos Jornalistas de Desporto|language=pt|date=2010|access-date=30 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030056/http://www.cnid.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid=38|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

'''Orders'''
*[[File:PRT Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao de Vila Vicosa Cavaleiro ribbon.svg|60px]] Medal of Merit, [[Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa]] ([[Duke of Braganza|House of Braganza]])

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|first=Luís|last=Lopes|title=Os Magníficos: Simão Sabrosa, especialista no drible, fatal no remate|trans-title=The Magnificents: Simão Sabrosa, dribbling specialist, deadly shooter|date=2008|publisher=QuidNovi|isbn=978-989-554-509-4|edition=First}}
*{{cite book|first1=Luís Miguel|last1=Pereira|first2=Simão|last2=Sabrosa|title=A arte de Simão Sabrosa, como tornar-se um jogador decisivo|trans-title=The art of Simão Sabrosa, how to become a decisive player|date=November 2002|publisher=Booktree|isbn=972-8718-61-6|edition=First}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{ForaDeJogo}}
*{{BDFutbol}}
*{{NFT player}}
*{{FIFA player}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Portugal squads
|bg=#900020
|fg=gold
|bordercolor=
|list1=
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Portugal squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Portugal squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{Primeira Liga top scorers}}
{{Portuguese Footballer of the Year}}
{{Portuguese Golden Ball}}
{{S.L. Benfica Player of the Year}}
{{UEFA Super Cup winning captains}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simao Sabrosa}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Vila Real, Portugal]]
[[Category:Portuguese men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga players]]
[[Category:Sporting CP footballers]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica footballers]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:Atlético Madrid footballers]]
[[Category:RCD Espanyol footballers]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Beşiktaş J.K. footballers]]
[[Category:Indian Super League players]]
[[Category:Indian Super League marquee players]]
[[Category:NorthEast United FC players]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning 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 2004 players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in India]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in India]]