Portuguese football has produced some incredible talents from Cristiano Ronaldo to Luis Figo and Eusebio.
When picking an all-time eleven you’re spoilt for choice, but plenty are often overlooked – and Ricardo Quaresma is one. Of course, he didn’t have the stellar career of several of his fellow countrymen, but his potential was great and at the turn of the century he was billed as the next biggest thing.
His blistering pace and astonishing arrogance on the pitch are a memory for many. Quaresma’s technique on the ball would make you think he was Brazilian, he was a true ‘street footballer’ who wasn’t afraid to take anyone on and would often leave them in the dust.
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He even earned the nickname ‘Harry Potter’ because of his magic feet and the ability he had to get out of difficult situations.
Quaresma had it tough as a child, and having grown up in a poor family he struggled to stay out of trouble. However, football provided him with a path to channel his anger and like many other Portuguese greats he rose through the famed academy at Sporting CP.
(Image: Getty Images)
At just 17, he made his debut – in a tough clash against giants Porto – and came out on the winning side.
He lifted the league title in his first season and by his second campaign was a key part of the senior side alongside another youth academy graduate, Ronaldo.
Both were spectacular on either wing and provided Sporting with a real attacking threat, but in 2003 the club were forced to sell their stars as they desperately needed the cash. While the career of CR7 is often told, the one of his teammate isn’t.
At the time Quaresma was seen to be even more talented than Ronaldo, and his next destination was Barcelona where he joined up with Ronaldinho, Xavi, Iniesta and co under the management of Frank Rijkaard.
(Image: Getty Images)
He was initially given the chance to prove himself, but his relationship with the gaffer soon turned when he was dropped halfway through the campaign. Speaking about his time at Barcelona, Qausemera said: “Even today, I don’t understand what happened to me at Barcelona…
“I was a kid and I was rebellious. Maybe I wasn’t prepared for the size of the club. You go from a neighbourhood to the world of fame where you think you’ve done everything and done nothing,” he explained during an interview in 2021.
FC Porto offered him a chance at redemption and he joined the club as part of a swap deal involving Deco in 2004. Quaresma scored five goals in his first year at the club as they finished runners-up in the league. He helped guide them to three titles between 2006 and 2008 which helped earn him a move to Inter.
But his opportunities under boss Jose Mourinho became limited and in 2008 he was awarded the Bidone d’Oro award for the worst footballer in the Italian top division. Quaresma then finally moved to the Premier League in January 2009 joining Chelsea.
(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
He only made five appearances for the Blues ultimately failing to live up to expectations.
However, he explained at the time how the spell helped restore his confidence, saying: “When I was at Inter, I wasn’t feeling very confident. I wasn’t playing well and wasn’t happy, I already feel more confident here at Chelsea. It has brought the job back for me, which I didn’t have at Inter.”
Despite returning to Inter with newfound hope Quaresma’s role continued to dwindle and he joined Turkish giants Besiktas in 2010. He spent a total of six years at the club across two separate spells – with a return to Porto and a period in the Middle East in between.
He eventually returned to Portugal playing Vitoria de Guimaraes before hanging up his boots in 2022. Quaresma may live in the shadow of his stellar compatriots, but he’s the epitome of a ‘streets will never forget’ footballer and will always hold a special place in the hearts of many.