Marco Caneira: A Footballing Enigma

From Sporting Lisbon to the Scottish Premier League

Marco Caneira is a Portuguese former footballer who played as a defender. He began his career at Sporting Lisbon, making his debut in the 1998–99 season. He spent five seasons with the club, winning the Primeira Liga title in 2000 and 2002, and the Taça de Portugal in 2002.

In 2004, Caneira moved to England to join Sunderland. He spent three seasons with the club, making over 100 appearances. He was part of the team that reached the League Cup final in 2004, but they lost to Manchester United.

To Parma and Back

In 2007, Caneira joined Parma in Italy. He spent two seasons with the club, making over 50 appearances. He was part of the team that won the Coppa Italia in 2007.

In 2009, Caneira returned to Portugal to join Nacional. He spent two seasons with the club, making over 50 appearances. He was part of the team that won the Taça da Liga in 2010.

Scotland Calling

In 2011, Caneira moved to Scotland to join Kilmarnock. He spent two seasons with the club, making over 50 appearances. He was part of the team that won the Scottish League Cup in 2012.

International Career

Caneira represented Portugal at the international level. He made his debut in 2002 and went on to earn over 20 caps. He was part of the team that reached the semi-finals of the 2004 European Championship.

Controversies

Caneira's career was marred by a number of controversies. In 2006, he was banned for six months by the Portuguese Football Federation for testing positive for a banned substance. In 2011, he was arrested for drunk driving. In 2012, he was fined by the Scottish Football Association for making a homophobic comment.

Retirement

Caneira retired from football in 2015. He is now a coach at the Sporting Lisbon academy.