1972: Born November 4th, Lisbon.

1989: Wins FIFA World Under-16 championship with Portugal.

1990: Makes debut for Sporting Lisbon.

1991: Wins FIFA World Under-20 championship with Portugal. In the same year makes full international debut against Luxembourg.

1992: November, scores first goal for Portugal in a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria.

1995: June, signs for Johan Cruyff's Barcelona in a controversial deal, after his agent had also signed with Parma and Juventus.

1995: September, debut for Barcelona in 2-2 draw against Merida.

1996: June, scores one goal at Euro '96 as Portugal reach the quarterfinals.

1997: Wins Spanish Cup, Super Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup with Barcelona.

1998: Wins Spanish league and cup double as well as European Super Cup in another highly successful season with the Catalan club.

1999: Helps Barca retain first division title, scoring seven league goals in the season. In December, comes fifth in France Football poll for World Player of the Year, won by his Barcelona team mate Rivaldo.

2000: In his final season at Barcelona plays 32 league games and scores nine goals, bringing his total at the club to 172 games and 30 goals. Barcelona finish the season in second place.

2000: Has outstanding Euro 2000, scoring spectacular goal against England and helping Portugal to the semi-finals.

2000: July 24th, Moves to Real Madrid for world record £37 million after agreeing deal with club's presidential candidate Florentino Perez.