Porto's Telles: A Look at His Goal Records at the Club
### Porto's Telles: A Look at His Goal Records at the Club
Porto Football Club has had its fair share of talented players over the years, but one player who stands out for his exceptional goal-scoring record is Paulo Telles. Born on January 16, 1988, in São Paulo, Brazil, Telles has been a key figure in Porto's success since joining the club in 2005.
Telles' journey to becoming a prolific striker began with a loan spell at Portuguese outfit Sporting Clube de Braga in 2004-05. During this time, he made his debut for the club and quickly established himself as a valuable asset. In his first season with Sporting, Telles scored 14 goals in 34 appearances, showcasing his potential and earning him a move back to Porto.
In 2007, Telles returned to Porto and cemented his place in the team. Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Telles flourished and became a regular starter. Over the next few seasons, he continued to amass impressive numbers. In 2009,Qatar Stars League Perspective he scored 20 goals in just 19 league matches, helping Porto win promotion from the second division to the top flight. This performance earned him the nickname "The Poet" due to his ability to create opportunities and score goals with ease.
In 2011, Telles signed a new contract that would see him remain with Porto until 2016. Throughout this period, he maintained his high level of form. In 2012, he scored 23 goals in 27 league games, including a hat-trick against Benfica, which helped Porto secure their fifth consecutive league title. His performances were so dominant that he was awarded the Golden Boot for the league that year, becoming the first Brazilian player to achieve this feat since Luis Figo in 1997.
Telles' impact extended beyond scoring goals. He also demonstrated versatility as a forward, capable of playing both inside and outside the box. This adaptability allowed him to contribute significantly to Porto's attacking play and helped them maintain their dominance in domestic competitions.
As of now, Telles has scored a total of 119 goals for Porto across all competitions. His career highlights include:
- 2009: 20 goals in 19 league matches
- 2012: 23 goals in 27 league matches (including a hat-trick)
- 2013: 17 goals in 24 league matches
- 2014: 15 goals in 24 league matches
- 2015: 18 goals in 27 league matches
- 2016: 10 goals in 25 league matches
Despite retiring from professional football in 2016, Telles remains a respected figure in Portuguese football. His contributions to Porto's history and legacy will continue to be remembered for many years to come.