José Nunes

José Carlos de Araújo Nunes (known as José Nunes) was born in Castelo de Paiva, Portugal, on the 7th March 1977. At just 10 years of age Nunes joined the Paivense youth setup before beginning his career with several teams in the Portuguese second division. Making a name for himself, Nunes was given the chance to sign for Sporting Braga, where he spent two seasons, in 2004. Despite making a name for himself in Portugal, he has never managed to break into the national team only coming close in 2006 following an injury to Jorge Andrade.

Nunes joined Real Mallorca in January 2006 in a transfer arranged by Nando Pons. Making his debut against Barcelona, he quickly demonstrated why his moved would later be regarded as a success. With Nunes’ introduction, a very weak Mallorca defence which leaked goals was given stability. The former U21 international has left a mark on all players he has played alongside. His excellent positional sense, passing and quick thinking often means he can keep opposing strikers in his pocket without committing many fouls.

An undisputed starter since his arrival, Nunes brings strength, anticipation, experience and leadership to the Mallorca defence. His physique makes him fantastic in the air and his headed goals from set pieces have proved invaluable in recent seasons. His professional and commitment to the club was proven when he rejected a large financial offer from Premiership side West Brom and instead extended his Mallorca contract until 2011, proving that money, in football, is not everything.

Their commitment and professionalism to the club, together with its great performance, prompted Mallorca this summer to submit a bid to improve the contract which extends until 2011. Nunes threw a large financial offer from West Bromwich English to stay on the island, showing that in football, money is not everything. Witness also the interest shown by the Oporto to recruit the player, he never publicly pressured the club to force him out and finally the Portuguese Mallorca rejected the offer as insufficient.

He is now club captain.