Bruno de Carvalho

Bruno de Carvalho is a Portuguese football executive, lawyer, television personality, and former politician. He is best known for his time as president of the Portuguese sports club Sporting CP, where his controversial reign lasted from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, de Carvalho was praised for his ambitious investments in the club's infrastructure and squad, but he was also criticized for his authoritarian leadership style, confrontational approach to the media, and alleged involvement in several controversies.

De Carvalho was born in Luanda, Angola, on June 8, 1972. He studied law at the University of Lisbon and began his career as a lawyer specializing in sports law. In 2011, he entered the world of sports management when he became vice-president of Sporting CP. Two years later, he was elected president of the club, promising to restore its former glory.

During his early years as president, de Carvalho oversaw a period of significant investment in Sporting CP. He spent heavily on new players, renovated the club's stadium, and launched several ambitious projects aimed at improving the club's infrastructure and facilities. These investments initially yielded positive results, as Sporting CP won the Taça de Portugal and the Taça da Liga in 2015.

However, de Carvalho's reign was also marked by controversy and conflict. He frequently clashed with the media, accusing them of bias and unfair treatment of the club. He also made several controversial statements, including criticizing the Portuguese national team and accusing rival clubs of corruption. De Carvalho's authoritarian leadership style and confrontational approach alienated many fans and club members, leading to protests and calls for his resignation.

In 2018, de Carvalho was involved in a high-profile incident that ultimately led to his downfall. Following a disappointing season, he publicly criticized the club's players and coaching staff, accusing them of lacking commitment and professionalism. This sparked a player revolt, with several senior players publicly expressing their dissatisfaction with de Carvalho's leadership. The situation escalated when de Carvalho allegedly ordered security guards to attack the players during a training session.

The incident caused widespread outrage and led to de Carvalho's suspension as president of Sporting CP. He was later expelled from the club and banned from attending its matches. De Carvalho faced criminal charges related to the attack on the players, but he was eventually acquitted in court.

Despite his controversial tenure as president of Sporting CP, de Carvalho remains a polarizing figure in Portuguese football. He has been praised for his ambitious investments in the club and his efforts to modernize its infrastructure. However, his authoritarian leadership style, confrontational approach to the media, and alleged involvement in several controversies have left a lasting legacy of division and conflict at the club.