Portuguese footballer and manager
Hélio Filipe Dias de Sousa CvIH (born 12 August 1969) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder , currently manager of Qatar Stars League club Qatar SC .
He spent his entire career at Vitória de Setúbal , and was part of the Portugal squad that won the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship . He started working as a manager in 2005.
Playing career
Known by his first name in his playing days, Hélio was born in Setúbal and played his entire career with hometown club Vitória Futebol Clube . Being team captain from an early age, he first appeared with the main squad during the 1987–88 season , and went on to experience promotions and relegations alike throughout 18 professional campaigns, being an undisputed starter in ten of those (three in the second division ).[1] [2]
Hélio retired at almost 36, after helping Vitória to the 2005 Taça de Portugal in a 2–1 final win against S.L. Benfica ,[3] having played 423 league games – club best – and scoring 21 goals.[4] Internationally, he was part of Portugal 's squad at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship , which was won in Saudi Arabia ;[5] in 1994, he earned one cap for the full side .[6]
Coaching career
After retiring, Sousa moved into management. Beginning with his only professional club,[7] he moved in 2008–09 to S.C. Covilhã ,[8] helping it retain its second-tier status.[9]
Sousa took the reins of the national team's under-18s in August 2010. He was in charge of several youth categories at the Portuguese Football Federation in the following years.[10] [11] [12] [13]
On 29 July 2018 , Sousa led the under-19 team to their first-ever UEFA European Championship after a 4–3 extra time defeat of Italy in Seinäjoki .[14] [15] The following March, he replaced Miroslav Soukup at the helm of Bahrain ,[16] but was still in charge of the Portuguese under-20s at the 2019 World Cup , which ended in group stage elimination.[17]
On 14 August 2019 , Sousa led Bahrain to their first ever regional title after defeating Iraq 1–0 in the WAFF Championship .[18] [19] On 8 December, he was also on the bench as the team won their first Arabian Gulf Cup , 1–0 against Saudi Arabia .[20] He left his position in July 2023, at the end of his contract.[21]
Sousa was appointed at Qatar Stars League club Qatar SC on a two-year deal in October 2023.[22]
Honours
Player
Vitória Setúbal
Portugal
Manager
Vitória Setúbal
Portugal U17
Portugal U19
Bahrain
See also
References
External links