Hugo (footballer, born 1976)


Hugo Miguel Fernandes Vieira, known simply as Hugo, is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a central defender.
He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 186 matches and four goals over 14 seasons, representing in the competition Braga, Sporting, Vitória de Setúbal and Beira-Mar. He played abroad with Sampdoria.

Club career

Born in Braga, Hugo played during his early career with S.C. Braga, making his first-team – and Primeira Liga – debut at the age of 19. He moved to Italian club U.C. Sampdoria in 1997, being regularly used during his three-year stint but suffering Serie A relegation in his second season.
Hugo returned to Portugal in summer 2000, joining Sporting CP and appearing scarcely for the 2002 league champions. After six seasons he left as a free agent to Vitória de Setúbal, where he also featured sparingly.
In 2008–09, Hugo played the most games he had in years, but spent most of the campaign as defensive midfielder. Aged 33, he had his first second division experience, signing with S.C. Beira-Mar and helping the Aveiro side win the league in his first year and return to the top flight, after a three-year absence.

Honours

Sporting
Vitória Setúbal
Beira-Mar