Simao came to Barça at the young age of 20, heralded as one of the rising stars of Portuguese football after his arrival from Sporting de Portugal. The winger was at the club from 1999 to 2001 before moving on and finally ending his playing career in India.

In the summer of 1999 a young 20 year old came to FC Barcelona from Sporting de Portugal. Simao Sabrosa’s pace, ability to beat defenders and get to the by line had caught the attention of the Barça coaching staff and he arrived at the club ready to battle for a place in the starting Xi alongside veterans such as Luis Figo, Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert.

The season after his arrival, with Llorenç Serra Ferrer now installed as coach, Marc Overmars came to the club to cover the departure of Luis Figo. Despite the tough competition for place in the team, Simao made 70 appearances in a Barça shirt before leaving for Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2001. After six seasons in the capital, one of which was spent on loan at Turkish club Besiktas, the winger joined Espanyol before finally retiring in India with North East United.

85 caps for Portugal