Yannick Djaló

Sporting CP

Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Djaló was brought up through Sporting CP's prolific youth system, and made his Primeira Liga debut on 16 September 2006, playing the second half of a 0–1 home loss against F.C. Paços de Ferreira. He proved himself a quality player, often coming off the bench, and also appeared in the club's campaign in the UEFA Champions League, renewing his contract during the season until 2013. On 6 April 2008, after a four-month absence due to injury, Djaló scored both goals in a 2–0 home win over S.C. Braga, having also found the net the previous week as a substitute in a 4–1 away defeat of Associação Naval 1º de Maio. He finished the campaign in good form, netting the only goal in a win at Paços de Ferreira which proved crucial in helping the side to retain their second place in the league. In the Taça de Portugal, he scored twice in a thrilling 5–3 semi-final victory against city-rivals S.L. Benfica. On 16 August 2008, Djaló scored both goals in Sporting's win against defending league champions FC Porto to claim the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira for the second year in a row. During 2009–10 he was an everpresent attacking figure, up front or in the wings and, on 2 April 2010, he scored his first career hat-trick, at home against Rio Ave FC (5–0). On 26 August 2010, Djaló scored in the 90th minute to help the Lions defeat Brøndby IF 3–0 after losing 2–0 at home, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Cancelled…

Djaló chose to represent Portugal internationally, appearing for the country in various youth levels. Twelve days after his 2008 Supercup exploits, he was called up to the senior team by manager Carlos Queiroz, but did not make his debut. In late August 2010, Djaló was selected for two UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers after Porto's Silvestre Varela – his former Sporting teammate – suffered an injury. He finally made his debut on 3 September, playing the last six minutes of the 4–4 home draw against minnows Cyprus after replacing Hugo Almeida.

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Djaló lived most of his life in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. His cousin José Embaló was also a footballer. In May 2010, Djaló married singer and TV personality Luciana Abreu, subsequently taking his wife's surname and signing as "Yannick Abreu Djaló". The couple welcomed their first child, Lyonce Viktórya, early in the following year, the player having already fathered Christian Martim (born 2008) in a previous relationship.

Sporting CP

Taça de Portugal: 2006–07, 2007–08 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2007, 2008 Taça da Liga runner-up: 2007–08, 2008–09 Benfica

Taça da Liga: 2011–12