- Source: Adolfo Calisto
Adolfo António da Luz Calisto (1 January 1944 – 29 August 2024), simply known as Adolfo, was a Portuguese footballer who played left back and was one of the top players for Benfica and the Portugal national team during the 1960s and 1970s.
Career
Born in Barreiro, Portugal, he first attracted attention for his local team of Barreirense, (1960–1962 and 1963–1966), and for Seixal (1962–1963). After that he moved to Benfica, where he played from 1965–66 to 1974–75. He then played for União Montemor (1975–1976) and Portimonense (1976–1977), before ending his career at age 33. He won six championships, and was part of the Benfica squad that reached the 1968 European Cup final. As a Benfica player he achieved the nickname of "Barreiro locomotiv", he was the first wing defender doing the entire corridor.
He had 15 caps for the Portugal national team, scoring 1 goal, and played with the team that reached second place at the Brazil Independence Cup final in 1972, losing only in an epic final with Brazil (1–0), being considered the best wing left defender that year. The Portuguese team, which was largely composed of Benfica players, including veterans Eusébio and Jaime Graça, and youngsters Humberto Coelho and Jordão, lost the final only at the 89th minute, when Jairzinho finally scored.
Death
Adolfo died on 29 August 2024, at the age of 80.
Career statistics
Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Calisto goal.
Honours
Benfica
Primeira Divisão: 1967–68, 1968–69, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1974–75
Taça de Portugal: 1968–69, 1969–70, 1971–72
European Cup: Runner-up 1967–68
References
Further reading
Malheiro, João (July 2006). Memorial Benfica 100 Glórias [Benfica Memorial, 100 glories] (in Portuguese) (Third ed.). QuidNovi. p. 8. ISBN 978-972-8998-26-4.
Malheiro, João (2004). Benfica 100 anos gloriosos: As Estrelas [Benfica glorious years: The stars] (in Portuguese). Vol. 6 (First ed.). QuidNovi. p. 6. ISBN 978-989-554-104-1.
External links
Adolfo Calisto at National-Football-Teams.com
Adolfo Calisto at ForaDeJogo (archived)