Sporting CP facts for kids
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| Full name | Sporting Clube de Portugal | |||
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| Short name | Sporting | |||
| Founded | 1 July 1906 | |||
| Ground | Estádio José Alvalade | |||
| Capacity | 50,095 | |||
| President | Frederico Varandas | |||
| Head coach | João Pereira | |||
| League | Primeira Liga | |||
| 2023–24 | Primeira Liga, 1st of 18 (champions) | |||
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Sporting Clube de Portugal, often called Sporting CP or just Sporting, is a famous Portuguese sports club from Lisbon. While it has many different sports teams, it is best known for its men's professional football team. This team plays in the Primeira Liga, which is the top football league in Portugal.
Sporting was founded on July 1, 1906. It is one of the "Big Three" clubs in Portugal. These three clubs have never been relegated from the Primeira Liga. The other two are Benfica and Porto. Sporting's nicknames are Leões (Lions), because of the lion on their club badge, and Verde e Brancos (Green and Whites), for their striped shirts. Their club song is "A Marcha do Sporting" ("Sporting's March"). Their motto is Esforço, Dedicação, Devoção e Glória (Effort, Dedication, Devotion and Glory). Fans are called sportinguistas, and the club's mascot is Jubas. Sporting is the second-largest sports club in Portugal by members, with about 150,000 people. This makes it one of the biggest in the world.
Sporting is the third most successful Portuguese football team. They have won 55 major trophies. In Portugal, they have won 20 League titles, 17 Portuguese Cups, 4 Campeonato de Portugal titles (a shared record), 4 League Cups, and 9 Super Cups. In Europe, they won the 1963–64 European Cup Winners' Cup in 1964. They were also runners-up in the UEFA Cup in 2005 and the Latin Cup in 1949. Sporting played in the very first European Champions Cup match on September 4, 1955. They have also played in the most editions of the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League (36 times).
Contents
Club History: How Sporting Started and Grew
Starting the Club (1902–1906)
Sporting Clube de Portugal began in June 1902. A group of young men, including Francisco and José Maria Gavazzo, created Sport Club de Belas. This club played only one match and then stopped. Two years later, the idea of a football club came back. The Gavazzo brothers joined José Alvalade and José Stromp. They founded a new club called Campo Grande Football Club. They played their games on the land of the Viscount of Alvalade, who was José Alvalade's grandfather.
The club also organized social events. But on April 12, 1906, some members wanted the club to focus only on social events. Others wanted it to focus on sports. José Gavazzo, José Alvalade, and 17 other members left. José Alvalade said, "I'll go to my grandad, and he'll give me money to make another club." So, a new club was founded on May 8, 1906. On May 26, it was named "Campo Grande Sporting Clube". The Viscount of Alvalade, who provided money and land, became the first president. José Alvalade said, "We want this club to be a great club, as great as the greatest in Europe." On July 1, 1906, the name Sporting Clube de Portugal was suggested. This date is now celebrated as the club's founding day.
Early Years and First Wins (1907–1946)
The year 1907 was important for Sporting. On February 3, they played their first football match, losing 5–1. On July 4, they opened their first stadium, "Sítio das Mouras". It was very modern for its time, with showers, tennis courts, and an athletics track. On December 1, they played their first derby against rivals S.L. Benfica. By 1909, the club offered many sports, including football, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, and cricket.
Sporting published its first newspaper, "Boletim do Sporting", on March 31, 1922. This later became the official club newspaper, "Jornal do Sporting", which still exists today.
Sporting played its first Primeira Liga game on January 20, 1935, winning 6–0. In 1936, they had their biggest loss against Porto, 10–1. But a year later, they beat Porto 9–1. In 1941, under manager József Szabó, Sporting won its first league title.
Golden Age and European Success (1946–1982)
The football team was very strong in the 1940s and 1950s. They had five amazing players: Fernando Peyroteo, José Travassos, Albano Pereira, Jesus Correia, and Manuel Vasques. They were known as "The Five Violins". With their help, Sporting won seven league titles in eight seasons between 1947 and 1954. This included four titles in a row. Fernando Peyroteo is considered one of Portugal's greatest players ever.
Sporting and Yugoslavian team Partizan made history on September 4, 1955. They played the first-ever UEFA Champion Clubs' Cup match. Sporting's João Martins scored the first goal of the competition. The game ended in a 3–3 draw. Sporting also opened their new stadium, José Alvalade Stadium, on June 10, 1956. This was their home until 2003.
In the 1960s, Sporting won a European trophy. They won the 1963–64 European Cup Winners' Cup in 1964, beating MTK Budapest from Hungary in the final. This was the only time a Portuguese team won this cup. Sporting beat Atalanta and then APOEL with a huge 16–1 win, a record that still stands. They then beat Manchester United and Lyon. In the final, João Morais scored the winning goal directly from a corner kick.
In 1982, under English manager Malcolm Allison, Sporting won both the league title and the Portuguese Cup.
Long Wait for Titles (1982–2000)
Between 1982 and 2000, Sporting did not win many titles. They won the Portuguese Super Cup in 1987, beating Benfica 4–0. Fans had to wait until 1995 to see their team win another trophy. They beat Marítimo 2–0 in the 1995 Portuguese Cup final. This win led to another Super Cup victory in 1996 against Porto. Sporting won 3–0 in a replay match in Paris.
A memorable moment in this period was a 7–1 win over rivals Benfica on December 14, 1986. Sporting also reached the UEFA Cup semi-final in 1991, losing to Internazionale. They also beat Barcelona and Real Madrid at home in the UEFA Cup.
New Millennium Success (2000–2002)
In 2000, Sporting, led by manager Augusto Inácio, won the league title. They beat Salgueiros 4–0 on the last day, ending an 18-year wait. The next season, Sporting won the 2000 Super Cup. In the 2001–02 season, coached by László Bölöni, Sporting won their 18th league title, the Portuguese Cup, and the 2002 Portuguese Super Cup. On June 21, 2002, the club opened its training facility in Alcochete, near Lisbon.
On August 14, 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo, then 17, played his first official match for Sporting's senior team. This was in a UEFA Champions League qualifying round game against Inter Milan. He later debuted in the Primeira Liga on September 29.
Another League Title Wait (2002–2021)
New Stadium and Cup Wins
Sporting did not win the Primeira Liga again after 2002 for many years. On August 6, 2003, the new Estádio José Alvalade was opened. In the 2004–05 season, Sporting reached the 2005 UEFA Cup Final at their home stadium. However, they lost 3–1 to CSKA Moscow.
Domestically, Sporting won the Portuguese Cup two years in a row, in 2007 and 2008. They also reached the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the 2008–09 season. However, they lost heavily to Bayern Munich. The club almost reached another European final in 2012, but lost to Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Changes and Cup Victories
After some difficult years, Bruno de Carvalho was elected president in 2013. He aimed to bring success back to the football team.
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In the 2013–14 season, Sporting finished second in the league. This meant they qualified directly for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.
In the 2014–15 season, Sporting won their 16th Portuguese Cup. They played against Braga in the final. They were losing 2–0 at half-time and had a player sent off. But Islam Slimani scored to make it 2–1. In added time, Fredy Montero equalized, forcing extra-time. Sporting then won 3–1 on penalties. This was their first trophy in seven years.
In June 2015, Jorge Jesus became Sporting's new manager. Under him, Sporting won the Portuguese Super Cup against Benfica. In the 2017–18 season, Sporting won their first League Cup. However, in May 2018, some players and coaches were attacked by a group of supporters at the training ground. Days later, Sporting lost the Portuguese Cup final. Many players then left the club. Frederico Varandas was elected president in September 2018.
In March 2020, Ruben Amorim became Sporting's manager. His transfer cost €10 million, making him one of the most expensive managers ever.
Recent Success (2020–present)
In the 2020–21 season, Sporting won their third League Cup. They then ended their 19-year wait for the Portuguese league title. They won their 19th Primeira Liga title with only one loss.
In the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League, Sporting reached the knockout phase for only the second time. Domestically, they won the 2021 Super Cup and the 2021–22 League Cup. In the 2023-24 season, Sporting won their 20th Primeira Liga title. This was helped by their record signing, Viktor Gyökeres.
The club has also been working on improving its facilities. Sporting has also worked to reduce its financial debt.
Club Identity: Motto, Crests, Kits, and Mascot
Motto
Since it was formed, Sporting CP's motto has been: "Effort, Dedication, Devotion and Glory" (Esforço, Dedicação, Devoção e Glória).
Crests
The lion on Sporting's crest was inspired by the heraldry of Dom Fernando de Castello-Branco. He was a key person in football at another club. He asked that Sporting not use blue, as that was his club's color. The club's emblem has changed over time to stay modern. But the lion and the color green have always been important parts of it. Since its founding, Sporting has had five main emblems. They also had two special emblems for their 50th and 100th anniversaries.
In 2001, Sporting CP changed its emblem a lot. This was to show a modern image. The current emblem has a simpler shape. It keeps the green color and adds three white stripes. These stripes represent the club's shirt. The words 'Sporting' and 'Portugal' are now written in full. This shows the club's national importance. A golden lion is shown, and the letters "SCP" (for Sporting Clube de Portugal) are like a crown on top.
Kits
When the club started in 1906, players wore white jerseys. On October 25, 1908, Sporting introduced the first "Stromp kit". This shirt is split, with the right half white and the left half green. It was named after Francisco Stromp, one of the founders. It was worn with white shorts, which changed to black in 1915. This kit was the main jersey until 1928.
On November 6, 1927, the green and white horizontally striped jerseys were worn by the football team for the first time. These were chosen for the club's rugby team in 1926. In July 1928, the football team wore the striped jerseys in Brazil because they were lighter. When they returned, they went back to the Stromp kit. However, on October 5, 1928, during a match against Benfica, the players changed to the striped jerseys at half-time. Since then, the green and white horizontally striped jersey with black shorts has been the club's main kit.
Mascot
The club's mascot is called Jubas. This name comes from the Portuguese word for "mane". Jubas is a lion character who wears a Sporting CP uniform. He takes part in charity and promotional events for the club.
Names
The club was founded on July 1, 1906. For two months, it was called Campo Grande Sporting Club. Its official name is Sporting Clube de Portugal, which means "Sporting Club of Portugal". UEFA and FIFA officially call it "Sporting CP". Some foreign media call it "Sporting Lisbon". This name is not liked by some sportinguistas because it is not the official name. The club and its fans have tried to raise awareness about this. The club even changed its crest in 2001 to highlight the words "Sporting" and "Portugal".
Club Support and Rivalries
Supporters
Sporting CP's fans are called sportinguistas. The club has about 150,000 official members. Studies suggest that between 1.1 million and 2.7 million people in Portugal support Sporting. This makes it the second or third most supported club in the country. Sporting also has many fans in other Portuguese-speaking countries and among Portuguese people living abroad.
The club's anthem is "Sporting's March". It was written in 1955. Sporting also has its own version of the song "My Way", called "O Mundo Sabe Que". Fans sing this song on match days. Other popular songs are "Só Eu Sei" and "Curva Belíssima".
Sporting has many fan clubs and branches across Portugal and around the world. These groups help promote and support Sporting CP. Some branches, like Sporting Clube de Tomar and Farense, became important independent sports clubs. Sporting Clube de Lourenço Marques in Mozambique was also a branch. Famous footballer Eusébio played there as a youth.
Lisbon Derby
Sporting's main rivals are Benfica. Their matches are called the Lisbon derby or "the eternal derby". The rivalry began in 1907 when eight Benfica players moved to Sporting for better training. Sporting won the first derby 2–1.
One of Sporting's biggest wins over Benfica was 7–1 on December 14, 1986. Manuel Fernandes scored four goals in that game.
The rivalry has seen intense moments. In 1994, Benfica won a key derby 6–3, which helped them win the league title. In the 1996 Portuguese Cup final, Benfica won 3–1. Sadly, a flare from a fan hit and killed a Sporting fan.
In 2004, a late goal by Benfica led to a pitch invasion by Sporting fans. In 2011, Sporting fans set fire to a stand at Benfica's stadium. These events show the strong emotions in this rivalry.
Sporting vs Porto
Sporting also has a big rivalry with Porto. This rivalry also shows the difference between Lisbon and northern Portugal. This rivalry has been featured in Portuguese films.
Sporting and Porto have met in 13 competition finals. Sporting won its first final against Porto in 1978 in the Portuguese Cup. They have played many more finals, including in the Super Cup and League Cup. In 2019, Sporting won the Portuguese Cup against Porto on penalties.
Despite the rivalry, both clubs formed an alliance against Benfica in 2017.
Club Finances and Ownership
Financial Results
In the 2022–2023 season, Sporting's football company (SAD) had a profit of €25.2 million. Their income was a record €222 million. The club has also been working to reduce its debt.
Ownership Structure
By 2022, Sporting owned most of its football company (SAD), about 83.90%. The rest was owned by other shareholders. In December 2023, after a deal with banks, Sporting announced it would own 88% of its SAD. The club plans to find a new investor for a smaller part of its football company.
Club Facilities
Stadium: Estádio José Alvalade
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Sporting has had several home grounds. The first was "Sítio das Mouras", opened in 1907. It was very modern, with changing rooms and an athletics track. Later came the Estádio do Campo Grande (1917–1937) and the Estádio do Lumiar (1937–1956). In 1956, the first Estádio José Alvalade opened. Sporting played there until 2003, when it was taken down.
A new stadium, Estádio José Alvalade, was built for the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. It was designed by Tomás Taveira and opened on August 6, 2003. The area around it, called Alvalade XXI, includes a shopping mall, cinemas, offices, and the club's museum and store. The first match at the new stadium was a 3–1 win over Manchester United. This game also marked Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Sporting. The stadium can hold 50,095 fans. It was given a 'five-star' rating by UEFA.
Academia Cristiano Ronaldo and Youth Academy
The Cristiano Ronaldo Academy is where all of Sporting CP's football teams train. It is the main place for the professional team's daily practice. It also serves as a training school for young players.
Sporting's youth academy has helped develop many famous players. These include Ballon d'Or winners Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the UEFA Euro 2016, 10 out of 14 players in the final for the Portuguese National Team came from Sporting's academy. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Sporting CP had 14 players who came through their youth system. This was the most of any academy in the tournament.
Pavilhão João Rocha
The Pavilhão João Rocha is Sporting CP's indoor arena. It is named after a former club president. It can hold 3,000 people and is the largest indoor arena owned by a Portuguese sports club. It is designed for all indoor team sports. It also has a modern video system. Outside the pavilion, there is a "Walk of Fame" (Passeio da Fama). Here, you can find the names of famous Sporting players and athletes. Next to the pavilion is the Escola Academia Aurélio Pereira, a youth academy school. The pavilion also has a club store and a part of the Sporting Museum.
Club Media
Newspaper
Jornal Sporting is a weekly newspaper published by Sporting. It started as the Sporting Club of Portugal Bulletin in 1922. It became a newspaper in 1952.
Sporting TV
Sporting TV is Sporting Clube de Portugal's own television channel. It is available on satellite and cable TV in Portugal and other countries. The channel shows content about Sporting CP, including documentaries, interviews, talk shows, news, and match analysis. It also broadcasts live and recorded matches from Sporting's different sports teams.
Club Museum
The Sporting Museum (Museu Sporting) opened in Lisbon on August 31, 2004. It shows the club's rich history and achievements in many different sports over more than a century. About two thousand trophies are on display.
The museum's history goes back to the club's old headquarters in 1956, where 1850 trophies were already kept. The museum was renovated and reopened in 2016. There is also an official Sporting Museum in the city of Leiria.
Sporting Foundation
Sporting CP has always done good work for the community. In 2006, they created Sporting Solidário. In 2012, they established the Fundação Sporting (Sporting Foundation). This humanitarian charity foundation helps people in need. This includes children at risk, the homeless, and war victims. The foundation collects donations on match days. Money from some ticket sales also goes to the foundation to support its charity work.
Club Officials
Directive Board
- President: Frederico Varandas
- Vice-presidents: Carlos Vieira, Vicente Moura, Vítor Silva Ferreira, António Rebelo
- Board members: Bruno Mascarenhas Garcia, Luís Roque, Rui Caeiro, Alexandre Henriques, José Quintela
- Substitutes: Rita Matos, Luís Gestas, Jorge Sanches, Luís Loureiro
General Assembly
- President: Rogério Alves
- Vice-president: Rui Solheiro
- Secretaries: Miguel de Castro, Luís Pereira, Tiago Abade
- Substitutes: Diogo Orvalho, Manuel Mendes, Rui Fernandes
Honours
| Type | Competition | Titles | Seasons |
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| Domestic | Primeira Liga | 20 |
1940–41, 1943–44, 1946–47, 1947–48, 1948–49, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1952–53, 1953–54, 1957–58, 1961–62, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2020–21, 2023–24 |
| Taça de Portugal | 17 |
1940–41, 1944–45, 1945–46, 1947–48, 1953–54, 1962–63, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1977–78, 1981–82, 1994–95, 2001–02, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2014–15, 2018–19 |
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| Taça da Liga | 4 |
2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22 |
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| Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira | 9 |
1982, 1987, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2015, 2021 |
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| Campeonato de Portugal | 4s |
1922–23, 1933–34, 1935–36, 1937–38 |
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| Continental | UEFA Cup Winners' Cup | 1 | 1963–64 |
- record
- s shared record
Players
Current Squad
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Other Players Under Contract
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Sporting CP B and Youth Teams
Sporting CP B is the reserve football team. It plays in the Liga 3. The Sporting CP Youth Academy is where young players develop. It has U23, U19, U17, and U15 youth teams.
Players on Loan
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Player Achievements
Portuguese League Top Goalscorers
The Portuguese League top scorer award is called the Silver Ball.
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- 1Shared award; 2Portuguese record; 3European Golden Shoe
Player of the Year
The Player of the Year award is named after former player Francisco Stromp.
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See also
In Spanish: Sporting de Lisboa para niños
