João Manuel

João Manuel Loureiro dos Santos, known as João Manuel (31 August 1967 – 18 May 2005) was a Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder.

João Manuel made his professional debut in the Primeira Liga for Académico de Viseu on 28 August 1988 as a starter in a 0–0 draw against Marítimo.^{[citation needed]} Over his career, he played 255 games on the top level of Portuguese football, most of them with União de Leiria, he also played in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Intertoto Cup with the club.

João Manuel was called up to the Portugal national football team several times in 1996 and 1997, but stayed on the bench in each game he was on the roster.

João Manuel died on 18 May 2005 of multiple sclerosis.^{[citation needed]}