Former Premier League winger Hugo Porfírio has embarked on a new career path as an Uber driver in Lisbon, over a decade after stepping away from the professional football spotlight.
The 53-year-old former Portugal international, who spent the 1996/97 season on loan at West Ham United where he made 23 appearances and scored four goals, was recognized by passengers during a routine trip across the Portuguese capital.
Porfírio later returned to England for a brief loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 1999, where he scored once in nine appearances.
During his playing career, the former winger featured alongside prominent figures of Portuguese football, including Luís Figo, Rui Costa, and Vítor Baía, representing his country at Euro 1996 before finishing his active playing career with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The encounter came to light after Portuguese content creator André Ramalho posted a video online identifying the former footballer as his driver.
“We had a ten-minute walk to make, but we were late and tired, so decided to call an Uber. We were amazed by the guy driving the car,” Ramalho shared.
“This is the fella who played at Euro 96, and played alongside Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Vitor Baia. He is the coolest guy of all time, and a great bloke as well. He also drove very well.” Porfírio’s daughter, Madalena, publicly supported her father following the viral video, commenting that he remains a dedicated hard worker.
Prior to taking up rideshare driving, Porfírio had worked as a talent scout for Sporting Lisbon until 2013.