Sporting Clube de Portugal was founded on 1 July 1906 in Lisbon, becoming the youngest of Portugal's "Three Big" clubs alongside Benfica (1904) and FC Porto (1893). The club's iconic green-and-white hooped shirts and lion crest are central to its identity. Sporting moved to the modern Estádio José Alvalade in 2003 (capacity 50,095), built on the site of the previous stadium of the same name.
Sporting's defining historical achievements span eras. The club won 19 Primeira Liga titles, with most recent triumphs in 2020-21 under Rúben Amorim and 2023-24 under Amorim once again. The 1963-64 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup gave Sporting Portugal's first European trophy of any kind, predating both Benfica's continental wins. The club's 17 Taça de Portugal titles tie them with Porto for second-most behind Benfica's 26.
Sporting's Academia Cristiano Ronaldo — named after the Madeira-born star who came to Lisbon as a teenager — is among Europe's most renowned youth academies. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo (1995 Ballon d'Or winner), Paulo Futre, Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United captain), João Mário, Ricardo Quaresma and Ricardo Esgaio are all Academy products. Manuel Fernandes was the all-time top scorer with 195 goals before being surpassed by Fernando Peyroteo's 331 (1937-49 era). The Lisbon Derby against Benfica and the rivalry with FC Porto define Sporting's identity in the Portuguese "Three Big" hierarchy.