Today I bring you the joy that was the 2000s! More specifically, the 2001-02 season — the season when Sporting were league champions. Boavista were runners-up, Porto finished third, and Benfica were in shambles with a 4th place finish! Jardel was the top scorer with — get ready — 42 goals! Crazy how good Jardel was!
But anyway, let’s talk about stickers, that’s what we’re here for, right?
10 – Hilário – #351 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 1998/99
Once again, we feature a player not especially known for his skills, but for what he brought to the team. Most of you know Hilário as Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper. He pretty much won everything at the club. He’s now the goalkeeping coach for England.
9 – Ricardo Rocha Rookie Sticker – #100
Ricardo Rocha was a fearless centre-back. He had that old-school CB mentality. It was quite fun to watch him play back in the day. He had a stint in the Premier League with Tottenham. He famously marked Ronaldinho in the 2006 UCL Quarter-Final, where he had a superb game!
8 – Simão – #62 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 1998/99
Simão’s first year back in Portugal, after a stint in Barcelona. He’s still a club icon, scoring free kicks and pens with ease. Benfiquistas will never forget his banger of a goal in Anfield back in 2006.
7 – Derlei – #178 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 1990/2000
Ah Derlei! What a joy of a striker he was! He was getting his grip in Portugal before a move to Porto. He scored 21 goals in the league for União de Leiria. Probably one of the best players to ever year the Leiria jersey
6 – Deco – #272 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 1998/99
Deco, o maestro. One of the best players to ever set foot on Portuguese turf. Absolutely brilliant — one of Porto’s best that season. A key piece in their Europa League and Champions League runs in the early 2000s. Currently he’s the Sports Director at Barcelona.
5 – Paulo Ferreira Rookie Sticker – #398
Speaking of key pieces in Porto’s European dominance, we have to talk about the full-back Paulo Ferreira. He won everything in Portugal, then moved to Chelsea, where he also won everything. Sneaky, solid, a really good full-back — you could compare him to today’s Nuno Mendes.
4 – Tiago Mendes Rookie Sticker – #105
Another player Mourinho took to Chelsea. Tiago, still in his early days at Braga, was a great central midfielder — one of the most solid players Portugal had in the early 2000s. A proper journeyman, he played in England, Italy, France, and Spain. An Atlético Madrid icon.
3 – Mario Jardel- #Ultimas Aquisições – Rookie Sticker from Abril Campeonato Brasileiro 1994
Jardel’s signing for Sporting came after he won the Super CUP with Galatasaray. He previously represented Porto, but in 2001 he switch legions and signed for the Lisbon club. He scored 42, giving sporting’s first title in years!
42 goals is crazy! On top of that, this sticker is from the update set, “Ultimas Aquisições”, making it extremely rare!
2 – Ricardo Quaresma Rookie Sticker – #342
We all know Quaresma — or “Harry Potter”. One of the most flair-filled players you’ll ever see. Lethal crosses, trivelas, pure magic with the ball. One of the most loved Beşiktaş players of all time. Euro 2016 champion with Portugal. You should really check out his highlights on YouTube.
1 – Robert Enke – #52 – Rookie Sticker from Panini German Football Bundesliga 1998-1999 Final Phase
Enke was an elite German goalkeeper. He had the tools to be Oliver Kahn’s successor in Die Mannschaft. Sadly, he’s no longer with us. His passing sparked an important conversation about men’s mental health.
Enke, wherever you are, just know — we miss you.
Final Word
And that’s it for this one. Cheap plug, but if you fancy to pull any of these players, feel free to give me a shout. I’ve got one super rare sealed box for sale! Comment or message me on instagram for details 🙂
Ohobby out!
