Fernando Chalana Obituary

Fernando Albino de Sousa Chalana, a Portuguese football player and manager has died. His death was announced by his former club Benfica announced on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He died at the age 63.

Chalana, who played as a winger was regarded as one of the greatest talents of his era in Portuguese football, with his main assets being his ball control and dribbling skills.

Sadly, his career was highly troubled by injuries and retired at a young age of 33.

A large part of his career was mainly spent at Benfica, where he also later worked as a manager.

Prior to his injury problems, he helped Portugal reach the semi-finals at Euro 1984.

Chalana also played one season apiece with Lisbon-based sides C.F. Os Belenenses and C.F. Estrela da Amadora, the latter in the second division.

Chalana was born in Barreiro, Setúbal District, and he began his football career at F.C. Barreirense, after which he moved to Lisbon neighbours S.L. Benfica in 1974.

He played at benfica for eight years and while there, he established himself as a fan favorite, scoring and assisting alike as he helped them conquer, amongst other accolades, five Primeira Liga and three Taça de Portugal trophies.