PORTUGAL LEGEND
Tiago Mendes
Midfield
Portugal
Tiago Mendes about playing in the Legends Charity Game
"While I played for some great clubs during my career, playing for Portugal was always the highest honour as a player. To represent my country in two World Cups was a dream come true. I can't wait to pull on our shirt again and help raise €1 million for charity."
About
Tiago Mendes built a decorated career and became renowned for his intelligence, versatility, and ability to control the midfield.
He played at the highest level across Europe's top leagues, including title-winning spells in Portugal, France, and Spain. After retiring, Tiago transitioned into coaching, briefly managing Vitória de Guimarães and working as an assistant for the Portugal national team.
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Club Level
Chelsea
Premier League: 2004–05
League Cup: 2004–05
FA Community Shield: 2005
Lyon
Ligue 1: 2005–06, 2006–07
Trophée des Champions: 2005, 2006
Atlético Madrid
La Liga: 2013–14
Copa del Rey: 2012–13
Supercopa de España: 2014
UEFA Europa League: 2011–12
UEFA Super Cup: 2012
UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2013–14, 2015–16
Personal Honours
Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2003
Chelsea Goal of the Season: 2004–05
Portuguese Footballer of the Year (nominee): 2005
Named in UEFA Champions League Team of the Group Stage: 2014
Records & Legacy
Scored in all top five European leagues (Portugal, England, France, Italy, Spain)
Integral part of Diego Simeone’s legendary Atlético Madrid side
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Portugal
66 apps, 3 goals
Major tournaments:
UEFA Euro: 2004 (Runner-up), 2008, 2016 (Winner*)
FIFA World Cup: 2006 (4th place), 2010
(*in squad but did not play)
CLUB HISTORY
Braga (1999–2002) 62 apps, 3 goals
Benfica (2002–2004) 75 apps, 19 goals
Chelsea (2004–2005) 34 apps, 4 goals
Lyon (2005–2007) 56 apps, 10 goals
Juventus (2007–2011) 42 apps, 4 goals
Atlético Madrid (loan) (2010) 18 apps, 1 goal
Atlético Madrid (2011–2017) 140 apps, 11 goals