Sporting CP’s academy is one of the finest talent factories in football, from the legendary Cinco Violinos to modern superstars. These are the ten greatest Lions.

1. 1

   Cristiano Ronaldo

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   The academy graduate who became the most prolific scorer the game has seen.

2. 2

   Luís Figo

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A homegrown winger of rare craft and a future Ballon d’Or winner.

3. 3

   Fernando Peyroteo

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   One of the Cinco Violinos and a goalscorer of astonishing, historic prolificacy.

4. 4

   Manuel Fernandes

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A prolific striker and one of the club’s greatest goalscorers of the 1970s.

5. 5

   Ricardo Quaresma

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A homegrown trickster of dazzling technique and outrageous flair.

6. 6

   Simão Sabrosa

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A quick, direct winger who emerged as one of Portugal’s finest.

7. 7

   Paulo Bento

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A dependable, long-serving midfielder and captain of the club.

8. 8

   Hilário

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A loyal, long-serving full-back and a fixture of the club for years.

9. 9

   Bruno Fernandes

   Sporting CP · Portugal

   A goalscoring midfield talisman and captain before his Premier League move.

10. 10

    Nani

    Sporting CP · Portugal

    An exciting, direct winger who broke through from the famous academy.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.