Paulo Lopes

Playing career Born in Mirandela, Bragança District, Lopes joined S.L. Benfica's youth system at the age of 15, being promoted to the first team four years later and going on to serve two loans in his first two years as a senior.

In June 2002, Lopes was released by Benfica. He alternated between the main division and the Segunda Liga the following decade, notably achieving top-tier promotions with C.D. Trofense (2007–08) and C.D. Feirense (2010–11); in a relegation-ending season.

Lopes returned to the Estádio da Luz in the summer of 2012, aged 34. He went on to act as third goalkeeper under several managers, collecting three league winners' medals by appearing in matches after his team had already been crowned champions; he made his competitive debut on 18 October 2012, in a 4–0 away win over S.C. Freamunde in the third round of the Taça de Portugal. On 16 January 2019, in the same capacity, he joined the reserve side.

On 6 July 2023, Lopes became the new manager of Benfica's under-23.

Personal life Lopes' son, André, was also a footballer.

Honours Trofense Segunda Liga: 2007–08 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2014, 2016, 2017

Individual Segunda Liga Goalkeeper of the Year: 2010–11