On December 22, 1983, Jose Miguel da Rocha Fonte was born in Penafiel, Portugal. He is a center-back for the Portugal national team and Ligue 1 club Lille. He is a professional footballer from Portugal. The player’s followers can learn more about him by reading the list of fascinating facts that are provided below.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Jose Fonte

1. Professional Background

In 2002, Jose started his professional career in the Portuguese second division, where he played for them until 2004 and made 59 appearances. He later joined other teams in Segunda Liga and Primeira Liga, including Felgueiras, Paços de Ferreira, and Crystal Palace.

2. Family Of Footballers

Rui, Fonte’s younger brother, plays football as well. The two were colleagues who played forward at Lille, Sporting (at the junior level), and Crystal Palace. Their father, Artur, spent 12 seasons competing at the top level of Portugal. ^[1]

3. Debut For His Country

For the Vale do Tejo tournament in 2006, Fonte was selected for the Portuguese U21 team and played in just one match against Slovenia, which Portugal lost in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. After waiting for many years, Fonte eventually made his full-team debut against France in a friendly.

4. Rise To Glory

For both him and the team, his 2011–12 Football League One season with Southampton was the best. He contributed to Southampton’s success in getting promoted to the second division by scoring seven goals during that season.

5. Unfortunate Time

Fonte transferred to West Ham United in 2016–17 after excelling for Southampton, but his performance there fell short of expectations. He played for them for two seasons, missing goals in 16 and 8 matches, respectively.

6. His Winnings

Jose Fonte played for Southampton in the 2010–11 season, which saw them win the Football League Trophy. In addition, he was a member of them the next two seasons when they finished second. He participated for his country’s team Portugal in their 2016 UEFA European Championship victory. ^[2]

7. He Moved To Another Club

 After a string of injuries, Fonte joined Crystal Palace in England on loan in July 2007 and was immediately inserted into the team’s starting lineup. After the 2007–2008 campaign, after Palace placed fifth and qualified for the promotion play-offs, the move was declared permanent. ^[3]

8. His Love Life

The 38-year-old soccer player from Portugal is wed to Cassie Sumner. Jose Fonte makes it a point to avoid the media and keeps to himself when it comes to discussing details of his private life. He has two cute little kids.