This page is merely designed to provide interesting and historical facts about the beautiful game of football. It is not intended

to single out any player, team, nationality or entity for their accomplishments (or lack thereof) in the world of football. Feel

free to provide any input by e-mailing ted@fmunited.com. Please include your source of information.

Displayed by Country/Team:             

ITALY

S.S. Lazio - In 1906, Francisco Dos Santos became the first professional Portuguese player to play abroad. He was on a

studying scholarship in Rome, but was so poor that he "offered" his services to play football for SS Lazio. In 1907, only his

second year in Rome, he became team captain. That year, he weighed only 55 Kg (121 Lbs)! Dos Santos played in the first

roman derby, on January 19th,1908. In photo below, Francisco Dos Santos, while playing for Casa Pia football team in

Lisbon in 1898 (last man standing, far right).

Source "A Bola" newspaper online March 23rd, 2010 http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=198302

PORTUGAL

S.L. Benfica - In 1908, Benfica was founded. First team photo below.

Source "A Bola" newspaper online April 12th, 2010 http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=201044