Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal, or Sporting CP, was officially founded on July 1, 1906. The club was established by José Alvalade with the support of his grandfather Viscount of Alvalade. José Alvalade's vision was to create a sports club capable of competing with the elite European clubs of the time. Sporting CP is known for its development of many top athletes, particularly in football and athletics.

Sporting CP won their first Primeira Liga title on April 13, 1923. This victory marked the beginning of Sporting CP's success in the league, contributing to their status as one of Portugal’s 'Big Three' clubs, alongside Benfica and Porto. The win symbolized Sporting's emergence as a dominant force in Portuguese football, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.

The period in the 1940s, known as the 'Five Violins' era, was marked by Sporting CP's domination in Portuguese football. The team consisted of legendary players like Jesus Correia, Manuel Vasques, Fernando Peyroteo, José Travassos, and Albano, who helped the club win multiple titles. This era symbolized Sporting's football excellence and produced notable football icons, leaving a long-lasting legacy.

The Estádio José Alvalade was officially opened on June 10, 1956. Named after one of the club's founders, the stadium quickly became an iconic venue for Sporting CP's matches. It symbolized the club's growth and ambition, providing a home for fans to gather and support the team. The stadium has witnessed many historic matches and remains a revered part of Sporting's identity.

On May 15, 1964, Sporting CP won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, marking one of the greatest achievements in the club's history. Sporting defeated MTK Budapest 1-0 in the final replay match held in Antwerp, Belgium. The game was decided by a remarkable goal scored directly from a corner by João Morais, earning Sporting their first and only European trophy to date.

On December 21, 1974, Sporting CP won the Latin Cup, an important precursor to today’s UEFA and FIFA club competitions. This victory was crucial for Sporting, as it demonstrated the team's competitiveness on an international level, setting the stage for future successes. The Latin Cup win is remembered as a significant achievement in the club's storied history.

The Estádio José Alvalade hosted its first-ever UEFA Champions League match on December 7, 1995. This event highlighted Sporting CP's status as a key player in European competitions and brought significant attention to the club's growing popularity and influence on the international stage. The participation in Europe's premier club competition was a major milestone for Sporting CP.

On August 8, 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo made his professional debut for Sporting CP at the age of 17. This event marked the beginning of Ronaldo's highly successful career, where he displayed immense potential as a winger. His performances at Sporting captured the attention of top European clubs and eventually led to his transfer to Manchester United, where he became one of the world’s biggest football stars.

On May 15, 2018, a troubling event occurred when Sporting CP's players and coaching staff were attacked at the Alcochete training ground by a group of people, following the team’s failure to achieve Champions League qualification. This led to a significant crisis within the club, resulting in the departure of key players and officials. The incident received widespread condemnation and led to legal consequences.

After nearly two decades, Sporting CP clinched the 2020-2021 Primeira Liga title on May 11, 2021. This victory ended a 19-year championship drought, as Sporting dominated the league under the management of Rúben Amorim. The triumph was celebrated by fans and marked a significant resurgence in the club's fortunes, re-establishing Sporting as a top contender in Portuguese football.