The experienced Portuguese midfielder has become the player with the fourth-most appearances in UEFA competitions, overtaking legends Luka Modric and Xavi Hernandez.
Joao Filipe Iria Santos Moutinho, born in Barreiro in 1986, may not have received the global recognition his career deserves. If football were cycling, he would have worn the points classification jersey for consistency.
The Portugal international has been a fixture in UEFA competitions since February 16, 2005, when, at 18 years, 11 months, and two days old, Jose Peseiro handed him his debut in the Europa League for Sporting CP.
Such has been the regularity of the Braga star that in the Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Real Betis (4-2), he made his 174th appearance in UEFA tournaments, becoming the midfielder with the most games in European competitions. The former Sporting, Porto, Monaco, and Wolves player surpassed two icons: Luka Modric (173) and Xavi Hernandez (173).
With that milestone, he also equaled Paolo Maldini (174) as the fourth-most capped player in European history. In the semifinal first leg against Freiburg, he could move ahead of Maldini. If he does, only Iker Casillas (188), Pepe Reina (192), and his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo (197) will stand above him.
Moutinho could crown this record by winning his second Europa League title; he previously won it with Porto in the 2010-11 season, beating Braga 1-0 with a goal from Falcao.
“Moutinho is the only one who has reached the final and won it. What I can say is that everyone in the squad wants Joao to win his second final,” said Braga teammate Ricardo Horta.
Approaching his 40th birthday in September, Moutinho remains a key figure for coach Carlos Vicens. Only Victor Gomez (52 appearances) has played more than Moutinho’s 51 games this season. His influence goes beyond the three goals and three assists he has contributed.
“I am lucky to have arrived at Braga when Joao Moutinho was in the team. Without doubt, he has had better coaches, but I often joke with him that I make him look younger. I feel he is enjoying our style of play. With his experience, career, and leadership, he helps the dressing room a lot. In the future, Portuguese football will miss him when he retires; I have no doubt,” Vicens said.
“Moutinho is a phenomenon. What he continues to do on the pitch at his age is incredible. He is also a bit of a ‘father’ to everyone. When you drop your level or do something wrong, he gives you a scolding to keep you in line. It’s true that when there’s a joke going around, he’s the first to join in the fun,” admitted Pau Victor to MARCA. ‘Mr. Europa’ is not giving up. He wants more.