Afonso Martins


Afonso Paulo Martins da Agra, known as Martins, is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a midfielder.

Club career

Born in Póvoa de Varzim, Martins family emigrated to France when he was very young, and he first played professionally with AS Nancy, spending three seasons at the club. In 1995–96 he returned to Portugal, signing with Sporting CP.
Martin's tenure with the Primeira Liga side was an inconsistent one: he was a starter during his first years but, towards the end, was often demoted to the reserves, and participated very little in the 2000 and 2002 championship conquests.
Martins finished his career in June 2007 at the age of 34, after spells with Moreirense FC, Vitória S.C. and lowly F.C. Lixa. He did not have a club in the 2005–06 campaign.

International career

Martins played for the Portugal national team at under-21 level, also appearing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where he scored both goals in the 2–0 win over Tunisia in the first game, as the country eventually finished fourth.

Honours

Sporting