José Carlos (footballer, born 1941)

José Carlos da Silva José (born 22 September 1941), known as José Carlos, is a Portuguese former footballer who played mostly as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Vila Franca de Xira, Lisbon District, José Carlos joined Sporting CP in 1962 from G.D. Fabril in Barreiro. Over 12 seasons, all spent in the Primeira Liga (14 counting those with his previous team), he appeared in 348 official matches and also acted as captain, winning three leagues and three Taça de Portugal and adding the 1964 edition of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

José Carlos retired in 1975 at the age of 34, following a brief spell in the Segunda Liga with S.C. Braga where he achieved promotion. Shortly after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, Sporting rejected an offer from La Liga club FC Barcelona to acquire his services.

International career

José Carlos played 36 times for Portugal, three as a CUF player and 33 whilst at the service of Sporting. His debut came on 19 March 1961 against Luxembourg in the 1962 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (6–0 home win), and his last appearance came nearly ten years later, against Denmark in the UEFA Euro 1972 qualifying stages (5–0 victory).

José Carlos represented the country at the 1966 World Cup in England. He appeared twice in the tournament, against England in the semi-finals and the Soviet Union in the third-place match, the latter ending in a 2–1 triumph.