Paulo Lourenço Martins Alves (born December 10, 1969 in Vila Real) is a former Portuguese footballer in the centre forward position, and currently a coach.

[edit] Football career

Alves joined F.C. Porto's youth ranks at 17, but had no success there, moving to Gil Vicente, as a member of which he helped Portugal win the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia - in the group stage opener against Czechoslovakia, he scored a last minute header (his strongest asset) for the game's only goal. Later in his career, Alves also managed 13 full caps, scoring eight times, mostly during the Euro 1996 qualifiers.

After spells with F.C. Tirsense, C.S. Marítimo (twice) and Sporting de Braga, Alves joined first division giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, being relatively used during his three-season stay. He also played in England with West Ham United on loan, but managed just four substitute appearances during his three-month stay. Upon his return to Lisbon, he notably scored a hat-trick in a 6–3 win at S.C. Campomaiorense.

Alves' second stint at Gil Vicente saw him finish as the club's top scorer for the 2001–02 season, with 11 goals in 27 games. Retiring in June 2005, he immediately took up coaching, precisely with the Barcelos outfit. In 2008, he joined another team he played for, Leiria, also by then in the second level.

Due to poor results in 2008–09, Alves was sacked by União Leiria, but stayed in the category, moving to F.C. Vizela. In the following summer, he rejoined former Sporting teammtate Oceano's coaching staff, at the Portuguese U21 team.

[edit] References

• Hogg, Tony (2005). Who's Who of West Ham United. Profile Sports Media. pp. 19. ISBN 1 903135 50 8. 

[edit] External links

• Stats and profile at Zerozero
• Paulo Alves career stats at Soccerbase
• NationalFootballTeams data

v • d • e Portugal squad – 1996 Summer Olympics Fourth Place 1 Costinha • 2 Kenedy • 3 Rui Bento • 4 Peixe • 5 Beto • 6 Andrade • 7 Dominguez • 8 Capucho • 9 Paulo Alves • 10 Afonso Martins • 11 Rui Jorge • 12 Nuno • 13 Vidigal • 14 Calado • 15 Nuno Gomes • 16 Porfírio • 17 Litos • 18 Dani • 20 Nuno Afonso • Coach: Nelo Vingada