José Henrique

José Henrique Rodrigues Marques (born 18 May 1943 in Arrentela), known as José Henrique, is a retired Portuguese footballer.

A goalkeeper, he is best known for his successful spell at Benfica, being nicknamed Zé Gato (Joe Cat).

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Club career

Henrique first played at Amora FC (1961–64), then with Seixal FC (1964–65) and Atlético Clube de Portugal (1965–66), all clubs in the Lisbon area.

Subsequently, he signed with local (and national) giants S.L. Benfica, where he would remain the following 13 years - he had already played youth football there for two years. In the club's back-to-back first division wins in 1971–73, Henrique was instrumental in helping the squad attain its defensive record: 60 matches with only one loss and 29 goals conceded. He had to share first-choice duties in the next years with another club great, Manuel Bento, eventually losing his position in 1976, having won eight leagues and three cups; he also appeared in the 1967–68 European Cup final, lost 1–4 to Manchester United in extra time.

From 1979–82, Henrique played in the second level, with C.D. Nacional (two years) and Sporting da Covilhã, retiring at 39. Subsequently, he became a coach with poor results, before returning to Benfica for its youth teams.

International career

Henrique played 15 times for Portugal, his debut coming on 10 December 1969, in a 0–1 friendly defeat with England. His last match took place on 13 October 1973 in Lisbon, a 2–2 draw against Bulgaria for the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – it would also be longtime Benfica teammate Eusébio's last international.

The peak of Henrique's international career was at the Brazilian Independence Cup in 1972, where he helped the national side finish second to the hosts, only succumbing to a last-minute goal (0–1). During his career, however, he suffered stiff competition from Sporting Clube de Portugal's Vítor Damas.

Honours

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