Fernando Meira

Футболист

▸ Источник: Wikidata

ИИ

Fernando Meira is a former professional footballer from Portugal, primarily known for his role as a central defender.

He began his professional career at Vitória S.C., where he played from 1996 to 2000.

Meira had a successful spell at VfB Stuttgart, winning the Bundesliga title in the 2006-07 season.

На основе: Wikidata

Биография

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Fernando José da Silva Freitas Meira, born in Guimarães, Portugal, began his professional football career with Vitória Sport Clube. He had a notable season in 1999-2000, appearing in 30 matches, and was loaned to F.C. Felgueiras, where he played a crucial role in their near promotion. In 2000, he transferred to S.L. Benfica for €4 million, where he quickly became a key player and team captain, although the club did not secure any titles during his tenure.

Success in Germany and International Recognition

In January 2002, Meira made a significant move to VfB Stuttgart for a record transfer fee at the time. He debuted in the Bundesliga and scored his first goal shortly after. His performances helped Stuttgart secure the Bundesliga title in the 2006-07 season. On the international stage, Meira earned his first cap for the Portugal national team in 2000 and was part of the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where Portugal finished fourth. He also participated in UEFA Euro 2008, contributing to the team's efforts in the tournament.

Later Career and Legacy

After his successful stint in Germany, Meira played for Galatasaray and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning several domestic titles, including the Russian Premier League and the Turkish Super Cup. He concluded his professional career with Real Zaragoza in 2012. Meira's contributions to football have been recognized with various honors, including the Medal of Merit from the House of Braganza, solidifying his legacy as a respected defender in Portuguese football history.

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Wikidata

Галерея

Карьера и клубы

Club career

Early career and Benfica

Born in Guimarães, Meira began his professional career with hometown's Vitória Sport Clube, but only had one solid season with its first team, in 1999–2000 (precisely his last), as he appeared in 30 of his 53 games with the Minho side. In 1998 he was also loaned, to F.C. Felgueiras of the Segunda Liga, being an essential defensive unit as they narrowly missed out on promotion after finishing fifth. In the summer of 2000, Meira joined Primeira Liga giants S.L. Benfica for a €4 million transfer fee plus one player. He played 31 matches in his first season – 30 starts – and was also awarded team captaincy, but the Lisbon club did not win any silverware during his stint.

VfB Stuttgart

In January 2002, Meira signed for VfB Stuttgart in Germany for €7.5 million; it was the Bundesliga club's record transfer fee until July 2007, when they signed Ciprian Marica from FC Shakhtar Donetsk for €8 million, and general manager Rolf Rüssmann described the player as a "trophy" signing, showing great ambitions for the future. He made his league debut on the 26th in a 3–0 home win against Hamburger SV, playing the entire game as a stopper. Meira scored his first goal for Stuttgart on 23 February 2002, in a 1–1 draw at FC Hansa Rostock where he also conceded a penalty which resulted in the opponents' goal. His second came on 7 April in a 2–0 away victory over SC Freiburg, and he finished his first year with 14 league appearances to help his side finish…

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

International career

After having earned 20 caps for the under-21s, Meira made his full debut for Portugal on 11 October 2000 in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands. In 2004 he played three games at the Summer Olympic Games, a group-stage exit. Meira was selected for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Benefitting from injury to Jorge Andrade, he appeared in all of Portugal's seven matches in the tournament as the national team finished fourth. Meira was also a regular fixture at UEFA Euro 2008 held in Austria and Switzerland, taking part in the first three matches but missing the quarter-final clash with Germany, a 3–2 defeat.

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

Career statistics