Cédric Soares: A Journey Through Time at Sporting CP
As the seasons pass, it's easy to forget that Cédric Soares is no longer with us. The Brazilian striker, who played for Sporting CP for nearly two decades, passed away on December 28th, 2021. Born in 1975, Soares was known as one of the best strikers in Brazilian football history.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Soares began his career at Sport Club Corinthians, where he made his debut in 1994. He quickly became a star, scoring over 60 goals in just three years at the club. In 1997, Soares moved to Santos, becoming one of the most successful strikers in Brazilian football history.
In Santos, Soares continued to be a standout player, scoring more than 100 goals in just six years. He also won numerous titles with the team,Primeira Liga Hotspots including the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Brazil's top tier league) twice and the Copa do Brasil once.
But it wasn't just Santos that inspired Soares. His performances at other clubs were equally impressive. At Inter Milan, he scored over 20 goals in just two years. And at Real Madrid, he scored 22 goals in just 12 games during his time there.
Soares was a true professional, always striving to improve his game and challenge himself every day. He never gave up on his talent, even when faced with adversity or setbacks.
After retiring from playing, Soares turned his attention to coaching. He served as the head coach of Santos between 2004 and 2011, guiding the club to four consecutive Brazilian Championships. During this time, he helped Santos win their first title since 1999 and the second straight championship since 2011.
But it was his time as head coach that truly captured the hearts of fans and players alike. After spending five years at Santos, Soares returned to Sporting CP in 2011. He took over the reins of the club and led them to their first-ever Serie A title in 2014.
Under Soares' leadership, Sporting CP went on to become one of the greatest clubs in Brazilian football history. They won seven consecutive titles between 2014 and 2019, and they finished third in the 2019-20 season before being relegated to Serie B.
Soares' legacy as a player and coach will forever be remembered by the Brazilian football community. He was a true legend, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport of football.
Soares' passing has left a void in the world of Brazilian football, but he will be remembered as a man who pushed boundaries and never backed down from challenges. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers, and we can only hope that his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.