Hugo Viana

Viana made his debut with Portugal on 14 November 2001, in a 5–1 friendly defeat of Angola. Replacing suspended Daniel Kenedy in the last minute, he was an unused member at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but missed UEFA Euro 2004 on home soil. Manager José Romão called him up for the under-23 team for the football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece; he and João Paulo were sent off in a 4–2 group stage elimination by Costa Rica. Viana then returned to the senior side, and scored his only international goal on 12 October 2005 to conclude a 3–0 home win over Latvia in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification; he appeared in two matches – both as a substitute – as the team came fourth at the finals in Germany. He was called as a last-minute replacement for injured Carlos Martins to the Euro 2012 squad, with the team already in training camp; he was unused in a run to the semi-finals but ended a five-year international exile in a pre-tournament friendly against Macedonia.

Viana was known for his range of passing and his control of the ball, as well as for taking powerful shots from distance, including from free kicks. Conversely, his ability to contribute equally to defence was criticised by pundits. His comparative lack of pace meant that he struggled when placed on the left wing due to Newcastle's strength in central midfield. Charlie Woods, the scout who recommended him to the club, reflected in 2020 that he played like Mesut Özil.

Sporting CP

Born in Barcelos, Viana started his professional career at Sporting CP. There, he won the Young European Footballer of the Year award after an excellent debut season in the Primeira Liga.

Newcastle United

On 20 June 2002, 19-year-old Viana was signed by Newcastle United from the Premier League for €12 million (£8.5 million), his transfer fee becoming a record for the Magpies for a teenager by surpassing the £5 million paid to Nottingham Forest for England under-21 international Jermaine Jenas. The transfer was also a record for a player of his age, breaking the 1999 record held by Robbie Keane; Newcastle invested heavily in young players in that year, and chairman Freddie Shepherd reasoned by claiming consensus that he was the best young player in the world of football. The signing was also the first major deal between Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes and an English club. Viana joined former Sporting manager Bobby Robson at his new team, and was mentored by veteran Gary Speed. He scored four goals in all competitions during his spell at St James' Park, against Željezničar Sarajevo and Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League and Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion in the league. Viana was unable to cement a starting position, as Speed – for whom Robson saw the Portuguese as a future replacement – was not declining with age, while Kieron Dyer, Jenas and Laurent Robert were also in form. He returned to Sporting on loan in July 2004. He found his…

Viana married Raquel Gomes in a Catholic ceremony in Orada, Albufeira in June 2003. The marriage produced two daughters and a son. In 2004, Viana lost his wedding ring on Newcastle Town Moor, but it was returned by a young fan due to the name engraved onto it.