Portugal is one of the many beating hearts of European football, etching its name into the history books of the sport through historical achievements and producing some of the best players to ever grace the planet.
Therefore, for any supporters who consider themselves groundhoppers, visiting the country is almost essential. Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, is the home of two of the ‘big three' Portuguese teams, and as a result, is an obvious starting point for groundhoppers travelling to the region.
Thankfully, this article will serve as your groundhopping guide to Lisbon football teams.
A guide to Lisbon football teams
Contents
1. Atletico Clube de Portugal
Location: Alcantara, Lisbon
Stadium: Estadio de Tampadinha
Capacity: 4,000
Located in Alcantara, Atletico CP are perhaps one of the lesser-known Lisbon football teams and compete in the third tier of Portuguese football. As a result, they're probably not a priority for the vast majority of groundhoppers, but, nevertheless, it is a club enriched with football heritage.
Officially formed in 1942, Atletico CP is actually the product of a merger between two other clubs – Carcavelinhos and União. Although they have just one league title to their name, that triumph came in the 2022/23 season, and Atletico certainly appear to be on the rise, making visiting their stadium a must.
2. CF Os Belenenses
Location: Belem, Lisbon
Stadium: Estadio do Restelo
Capacity: 19,856
Cf Os Belenenses are one of the oldest teams in the Portuguese football pyramid, having been founded in 1919. They are located in Belem, hence their name, and ply their trade in the second division of Portuguese football.
In 1946, they won the Primeira Liga, the country's top division, for the first time and became the first side outside of the ‘big three' to do so in the competition's history.
Their name was again etched into the history books in 2018 when a high-profile split of the club resulted in a section of the organisation rebranding as B-SAD, and the original club being demoted to the sixth division. For our UK readers, it was reminiscent of the AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons debacle. B-SAD failed to gain any real support, however, and have since relocated outside of Lisbon.
In total, Belenenses have won five trophies over the years, and their iconic history ensures they are on the list of must-see Lisbon football teams.
4. Estrela Amadora
Location: Amadora, Lisbon
Stadium: Estadio Jose Gomes
Capacity: 9, 288
By some distance, the youngest club on this list, Estrela de Amadora were formed just under four years ago in the summer of 2020. For the second time on this list, it was the product of a merger between two clubs, Clube Desportivo Estrela and Club Sintra Football. Amadora decided against claiming the honours of its two parent clubs, and so, at this moment in time, are currently trophyless.
However, don't let that dissuade you from visiting their modest Estadio Jose Gomes, as with the club playing their football in the top flight, a trip to Amadora could well afford you the opportunity to see some of the best players in the country on display.
5. Sporting CP
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Stadium: Estadio Jose Alvalade
Capacity: 50,095
The first of the two clubs you have almost certainly been waiting for, Sporting CP are one of the biggest sides in Portugal and are the first team on this list to boast serious European pedigree. Their trophy tally of 54 is still some way behind both Benfica and Porto, but comfortably places them above every other side in the country.
Some of the very best to have ever played the game have at some point called Sporting home, with the likes of Luis Figo, Peter Schmeichel and of course the great Cristiano Ronaldo all donning the famous green and white stripes during their careers.
Formed in 1906, Sporting CP are again one of the oldest clubs in the country and have had spells of success throughout the years. Their combination of European status, domestic success and a fantastic stadium to enhance that means the Estadio Jose Avalade is a must for any groundhoppers visiting Lisbon.
6. S.L. Benfica
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Stadium: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Capacity: 64.642
Benfica are widely considered to be the biggest Lisbon-based football team there is, winning their domestic league an astonishing 38 times., and as such, the Eagles need very little to no introduction. They have been almost ever-present in European competition, with two Champions Leagues to their name and have caused English teams problems throughout their history.
Some of the best players to have ever played for the club include Manchester City aces Bernado Silva and Ederson, former Chelsea and Arsenal defender David Luiz, Real Madrid legend Angel Di Maria as well as footballing icon and Benfica's greatest ever player – Eusebio.
Benfica's Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica has a capacity of just under 65,000 – rivalling some of the biggest stadiums in English football, dwarfing grounds such as the Etihad which boasts a capacity of a mere 53,000 in comparison.
If you are able to visit either, or better yet, both Benfica and Sporting this season, it is an excellent time to do so, with the pair separated by just one point at the top of the league with eight games to go, and as a result, the atmosphere at their respective stadium's are livelier than usual. However, even if you are unable to do so, Benfica is one of the most iconic sides in European football, and any groundhopper visiting Lisbon should make visiting them their priority.