Jose Sa

Portugal’s Jose Sá is currently the first-choice shot-stopper for Greek Super League champions Olympiacos. He began his career with Maritimo in Portugal before moving to Primeira Liga rivals Porto and then to Greece. He has represented his country at U-19, U-21, and U-23 level and was called up to the senior squad for the 2017 FIFA Federations Cup and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, the latter of which Portugal won.

Sá was born in the Portuguese city of Braga in 1993. His formative football years were spent at several clubs, including a spell at Benfica, before he turned professional with Maritimo in 2012. He first established himself as the first-choice keeper for Maritimo B team in the Portuguese Secunda Liga and was soon promoted to the first team. In his final season with the second team, he helped them to win the league, the highest honour the team can win (they aren’t allowed to be promoted into the Primeira Liga). In 2016, he was transferred to FC Porto for €1.5 million, initially as their second-choice keeper. However, he soon became their number-one keeper, competing in the league and the UEFA Champions League and helping them to win the Primeira Liga.

Before the start of the 2018-19 season, Sá joined Olympiacos on loan. Reunited with his former Maritimo boss, Martins, he quickly became their first-choice goalkeeper and the move became permanent. In 2019-20, he enjoyed his most successful season to date, keeping 18 clean sheets as Olympiacos completed the Greek league-and-cup double. He’ll be a major contender for Portugal’s Euro 2021 squad.