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José Gonçalves Portuguese football defender portrait

José Gonçalves (footballer) Male

association football player

Born

September 17, 1985

Lisbon, Portugal
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September 17, 2026

335 days away
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José Gonçalves is a retired Portuguese professional footballer best known for his commanding presence as a central defender. Born on September 17, 1985, in Lisbon, Portugal, Gonçalves developed an early passion for football, training in youth academies across Switzerland and Portugal. His diverse background and strong defensive style soon made him a reliable figure on the field.

Gonçalves began his professional career with FC Basel in Switzerland before moving to the Scottish Premier League, where he gained prominence with Heart of Midlothian. During his time with Hearts, he was known for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to organize the backline. His performances earned him the club's Player of the Year award in 2009-2010.

In 2013, José Gonçalves joined Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, where he was named team captain and later won the club's Defender of the Year award. His leadership helped guide the team to the MLS Cup Final in 2014. After his tenure in the United States, he continued his career with stints in Switzerland and India before retiring from professional play.

Throughout his career, Gonçalves was recognized for his professionalism, consistency, and sportsmanship. His contributions across multiple leagues left a lasting impression, solidifying José Gonçalves as a respected figure in international football.

Learn more about José Gonçalves (footballer), their achievements, background, and career highlights - updated regularly on Khandro.net.

More about José Gonçalves (footballer)

Notable Works José Gonçalves (footballer)
  • Heart of Midlothian Player of the Year (2009-2010)
  • New England Revolution Defender of the Year (2013)
  • Captain of New England Revolution (2013-2016)
  • Scottish Cup appearances with Heart of Midlothian (2006-2010)
  • MLS Cup Final appearance (2014)
  • Played for FC Basel (2002-2004)
  • Played for 1. FC Nürnberg (2006)
  • Signed with St. Gallen in Switzerland (2016)
  • Played for NorthEast United FC in India (2017)
  • Youth development at FC Basel and Lausanne-Sport
Awards Received by José Gonçalves (footballer)
  • MLS Defender of the Year Award
Also known as
José Gonçalves
Languages spoken by José Gonçalves (footballer)
Portuguese
Sport
Discipline: association football
Teams: FC BaselFC ThunFC WinterthurFC St. GallenVenezia F.C.1. FC NürnbergHeart of Midlothian F.C.FC SionNew England RevolutionFBK KaunasYverdon-Sport FCPortugal national under-21 football team
Position: defender

Latest news about José Gonçalves (footballer)

  • Edinburgh News / Scotsman

    José Gonçalves speaks on Hearts memories ahead of Zürich Europa tie

    Former Hearts defender José Gonçalves, now in a technical role at FC Zürich, reflected on his memories playing at Tynecastle as Zürich prepared for a Europa League playoff tie. He discussed how his past in Edinburgh shaped him and expressed eagerness to return as his club aims to advance in European competition. (Interview)

  • Transfermarkt (manager profile)

    José Gonçalves parts ways as FC Zürich team manager

    José Gonçalves' managerial tenure at FC Zürich officially ended on February 29, 2024, according to his profile on Transfermarkt. He had held the role of team manager from October 2021 until 2024, overseeing the club's technical operations.

  • Instagram / Former club post

    Former MLS Defender José Gonçalves featured as guest speaker

    On May 29, 2025, a post on Instagram highlighted José Gonçalves as a guest speaker for an event, referencing his past recognition as MLS Defender of the Year. The mention underscores his continuing involvement in football-related and community events after retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions about José Gonçalves (footballer)

  • Who is José Gonçalves?

    José Gonçalves is a retired Portuguese professional footballer known for his defensive skills and leadership, particularly with Heart of Midlothian and New England Revolution.

  • When was José Gonçalves born?

    José Gonçalves was born on September 17, 1985, in Lisbon, Portugal.

  • What position did José Gonçalves play?

    José Gonçalves played primarily as a central defender, known for his tactical awareness and strong leadership on the field.

  • Which clubs did José Gonçalves play for?

    He played for clubs including FC Basel, Heart of Midlothian, 1. FC Nürnberg, New England Revolution, St. Gallen, and NorthEast United FC.

  • What is José Gonçalves best known for?

    He is best known for captaining New England Revolution in Major League Soccer and being named Defender of the Year in 2013.

  • Did José Gonçalves play in Major League Soccer?

    Yes, José Gonçalves played for New England Revolution from 2013 to 2016, where he was team captain and a key defensive leader.

  • What awards has José Gonçalves won?

    He won the Heart of Midlothian Player of the Year award in 2009-2010 and the New England Revolution Defender of the Year award in 2013.

  • When did José Gonçalves retire from football?

    José Gonçalves retired after completing his playing career with NorthEast United FC in India in 2017.

  • What nationality is José Gonçalves?

    José Gonçalves is Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal.

  • What are José Gonçalves's notable achievements?

    His notable achievements include captaining New England Revolution, reaching the 2014 MLS Cup Final, and earning club-level awards for his defensive performance.

  • Did José Gonçalves play internationally for Portugal?

    José Gonçalves represented Portugal at youth levels but did not make senior national team appearances.

  • What leagues did José Gonçalves play in?

    He played in the Swiss Super League, Scottish Premier League, German Bundesliga, Major League Soccer, and Indian Super League.

  • When was José Gonçalves (footballer) born?

    Born on September 17, 1985

  • What is José Gonçalves (footballer) best known for?

    José Gonçalves (footballer) is known as a association football player from Portugal.

  • How old is José Gonçalves (footballer)?

    José Gonçalves (footballer) is 40 years old.

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