César Brito


César Gonçalves de Brito Duarte, known as Brito, is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a striker.

Club career

Born in the village of Barco in Covilhã, Brito started playing for local Sporting Clube, but soon attracted attention from S.L. Benfica, which signed the player in 1985. At the latter he had a difficult start, going on to serve a two-year loan at fellow Primeira Liga side Portimonense SC.
Upon his return, Brito appeared mainly from the bench, barred by Swede Mats Magnusson. During the 1990–91 season his biggest moment at Benfica arrived, as he scored twice – as a substitute – to beat FC Porto away and eventually clinch the national title, in a match that ended in a riot.
Brito eventually left Benfica in the 1995 summer, after a ten-year link and only 23 league appearances in his last three seasons combined. After a good year at Lisbon neighbours C.F. Belenenses he moved to Spain, teaming up with a host of compatriots at UD Salamanca, including attacking partner Pauleta. In his debut campaign, already aged 32, he netted 15 goals in the second level, helping the club clinch La Liga promotion while combining with Pauleta for 34 successful strikes.
In 1997–98, Brito appeared regularly as Salamanca eventually stayed in the top flight, then moved to modest CP Mérida in division two. He saw out his career at his very first club, retiring at almost 36.

International career

Brito earned 14 caps for the Portugal national team during four years, and scored twice.

Honours

;Benfica