Hélder Postiga

Born in Vila do Conde, Postiga began his career at nearby Varzim. In 1995, he joined Porto's youth system and continued to progress until he reached the reserve squad. At the time, coach Octávio Machado picked him for the first team on some occasions and the player performed well.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/helder-postiga-a-crescer-para-assumir-titularidade|title=Hélder Postiga a "crescer" para assumir titularidade|trans-title=Hélder Postiga "growing" to take on starting duties|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=17 December 2001|access-date=14 April 2023}}

After José Mourinho was hired as manager, Postiga became a first-team regular. The 20-year-old scored 19 times in 2002–03, playing alongside Derlei as Porto won the treble.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=77051.html|title=Tottenham turn to Postiga|publisher=UEFA|date=25 June 2003|access-date=17 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024091714/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=77051.html|archive-date=24 October 2012}} This included 13 in a victorious league run{{cite web|url=https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/desporto/744396/andre-silva-a-um-golo-de-destronar-helder-postiga-e-de-entrar-na-historia|title=André Silva a um golo de destronar Hélder Postiga e de entrar na história|trans-title=André Silva one goal away from dethroning Hélder Postiga and making history|publisher=Notícias Ao Minuto|language=pt|date=19 February 2017|access-date=10 April 2018}} as well as five in an eventual conquest of the UEFA Cup, although he missed the final due to suspension. Following his successful season, he made his senior international debut for Portugal.

On 25 June 2003, Postiga moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for £6.25 million (€9 million), a fee that could have risen to £8.36 million (€12 million). He signed a five-year contract, with manager Glenn Hoddle remarking: "He is a player who will add definite striking quality to our squad and is a young player of proven ability. I'm sure our supporters will enjoy watching him over the coming seasons."

Postiga made his debut on 16 August 2003 in a 1–0 away defeat to Birmingham City, starting but being replaced by fellow new signing Bobby Zamora after 57 minutes.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3140891.stm|title=Dunn shatters Spurs hopes|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2003|access-date=19 January 2015}} His first goal came on 3 December, the second of a 3–1 home win against Manchester City in the round of 16 of the League Cup,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3246958.stm|title=Postiga sends Spurs through|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 December 2003|access-date=27 August 2009}} while his only in the league contributed to a 2–1 victory over Liverpool on 17 January 2004, also at White Hart Lane.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3385513.stm|title=Tottenham 2–1 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2004|access-date=27 August 2009}}

File:Helder Postiga.JPG player in 2007]]

In summer 2004, Postiga returned to Porto in a deal that sent Pedro Mendes in the other direction, with the striker being valued at €7.5 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/019f-0ea6cc8cb6b9-ffdbe34a953c-1000--postiga-back-at-porto/|title=Postiga back at Porto|publisher=UEFA|date=9 July 2004|access-date=17 June 2010}} New coach Víctor Fernández included him in the team for the upcoming campaign, but he had another disappointing year;{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/victor-fernandez-nao-esperava|title=Víctor Fernández: "Não esperava"|trans-title=Víctor Fernández: "I did not expect this"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=1 February 2005|access-date=15 April 2023}} however, following José Couceiro's appointment as manager, he managed to score three goals.{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2005/04/04/jornal/postiga-golo-serve-para-motivar-os-meus-colegas-14062|title=Postiga: "Golo serve para motivar os meus colegas"|trans-title=Postiga: "Goal acts as motivation for my teammates"|newspaper=Público|language=pt|date=4 April 2005|access-date=15 April 2023}}

In 2005, after a promising preseason, Postiga was demoted to the B team as Co Adriaanse was not happy with his performances.{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2005/12/13/jornal/helder-postiga-sai-do-fc-porto-magoado-com-co-adriaanse-53567|title=Hélder Postiga sai do FC Porto "magoado com Co Adriaanse"|trans-title=Hélder Postiga leaves FC Porto "hurt with Co Adriaanse"|newspaper=Público|language=pt|date=13 December 2005|access-date=15 April 2023}} In January of the following year, trying to earn a place in the 2006 World Cup, he moved on loan to Saint-Étienne,{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-1/2005-2006/postiga-a-saint-etienne_sto801659/story.shtml|title=Postiga à Saint-Etienne|trans-title=Postiga to Saint-Etienne|publisher=Eurosport|language=fr|date=12 December 2005|access-date=10 April 2018}} where he netted twice in Ligue 1, against Metz and Le Mans, both resulting in 1–0 away wins.{{cite web|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue-1/lyon-chute-lourdement-et-l-om-se-reveille_4871|title=Lyon chute lourdement et l'OM se réveille!|trans-title=Lyon take a heavy fall and OM wake up again!|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=27 February 2006|access-date=10 April 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans-72000/ligue-1-le-mans-arrache-le-nul-face-saint-etienne-613067|title=Ligue 1. Le Mans arrache le nul face à Saint-Etienne|trans-title=Ligue 1. Le Mans scrape draw against Saint-Etienne|newspaper=Ouest-France|language=fr|date=29 November 2009|access-date=10 April 2018}}

Back at Porto for 2006–07, Postiga found himself back in the main squad due to a managerial change.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/postiga-agradece-a-jesualdo-scolari-e-colegas|title=Postiga agradece a Jesualdo, Scolari e colegas|trans-title=Postiga thanks Jesualdo, Scolari and teammates|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=9 November 2006|access-date=15 April 2023}} A regular starter in the beginning, he nonetheless fell out of favour towards the end of the season, losing his place to Brazilian Adriano though he still managed to score 11 league goals;{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/adriano-agora-sinto-me-util|title=Adriano: "Agora sinto-me útil"|trans-title=Adriano: "I feel useful now"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=27 February 2007|access-date=15 April 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2007/postiga-e-liedson-goleadores-ausentes-654252.html|title=Postiga e Liedson, goleadores 'ausentes'|trans-title=Postiga and Liedson, 'absent' scorers|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|last1=Frias|first1=Rui|last2=Freches|first2=Sílvia|language=pt|date=14 March 2007|access-date=15 April 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/o-imperador-adriano|title=O imperador Adriano|trans-title=Emperor Adriano|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=14 May 2007|access-date=15 April 2023}} in his two spells, he appeared in 165 games in all competitions and netted 48 times.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/rio-ave/detalhe/postiga-europeu-marcafinalmente-ao-fc-porto|title=Postiga 'europeu' marca finalmente ao FC Porto|trans-title='European' Postiga finally scores to FC Porto|newspaper=Record|last=Queirós|first=Eugénio|language=pt|date=8 May 2016|access-date=15 April 2023}}

In mid-January 2008, after having again fallen out of favour, Postiga moved to Panathinaikos on a six-month loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01c9-0ea94dcbd9aa-11dd1cb17239-1000--panathinaikos-take-on-porto-s-postiga/|title=Panathinaikos take on Porto's Postiga|publisher=UEFA|date=14 January 2008|access-date=17 June 2010}} His first goal for the club came in the Athens derby against AEK Athens, in which he equalised (1–1).{{cite web|url=http://www.futebol365.pt/artigo/amp/19336-grecia-postiga-marca-golo-do-empate-e-coloca-panathinaikos-na-lideranca/|title=Grécia: Postiga marca golo do empate e coloca Panathinaikos na liderança|trans-title=Greece: Postiga scores equaliser and puts Panathinaikos on top|publisher=Futebol 365|language=pt|date=2 March 2008|access-date=10 April 2018}}

On 1 June 2008, Postiga moved to Portuguese rivals Sporting CP, signing a three-year contract for a reported transfer fee of €2.5 million, with the Lisbon side acquiring 50% of the player's rights.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01ce-0f84dd87883e-dc66e30e0869-1000--postiga-leaves-porto-for-sporting/|title=Postiga leaves Porto for Sporting|publisher=UEFA|date=1 June 2008|access-date=14 April 2023}} He scored his first official goal for his new club on 1 September, the only in a victory at Braga.{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/detalhe/sporting-cresceu-e-ja-sabe-sofrer|title=Sporting cresceu e já sabe sofrer|trans-title=Sporting have grown up and already know how to suffer|newspaper=Correio da Manhã|language=pt|date=2 September 2008|access-date=10 April 2018}}

Postiga's second season as a Lion was disastrous, both collectively – Sporting finished fourth – and individually (he only found the net on 19 April 2010, closing the 2–1 home win over Vitória de Setúbal after just one minute on the pitch);{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.cv/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/heroi-postiga-regressa-aos-golos-e-decide|title=Herói Postiga regressa aos golos e decide|trans-title=Hero Postiga returns to goals and decides it|publisher=SAPO|last=Dias|first=Bruno Miguel|language=pt|date=19 April 2010|access-date=10 April 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410202137/https://desporto.sapo.cv/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/heroi-postiga-regressa-aos-golos-e-decide|archive-date=10 April 2018}} although he began as a starter, he soon lost his job to youth graduate Carlos Saleiro.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/postiga-foi-uma-epoca-muito-dificil.html|title=Postiga: "Foi uma época muito difícil"|trans-title=Postiga: "It was a very difficult season"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=7 April 2010|access-date=10 April 2018}}

File:Celebracion Real Zaragoza 2013 postiga (cropped).JPG]]

On 31 August 2011, the last day of the summer transfer window, Postiga joined Real Zaragoza of La Liga for €1 million.{{cite web|url=http://web3.cmvm.pt/sdi2004/emitentes/docs/FR35401.pdf|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|publisher=Portuguese Securities Market Commission|language=pt|date=31 August 2011|access-date=24 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-sporting-news/26925-sporting-sell-postiga-and-yannick|title=Sporting sell Postiga and Yannick|publisher=PortuGOAL|last=Kundert|first=Tom|date=31 August 2011|access-date=31 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124151038/http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-sporting-news/26925-sporting-sell-postiga-and-yannick|archive-date=24 November 2011}} At the Spanish side, he reunited with his compatriots Fernando Meira and Rúben Micael.{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/helder-postiga-vai-jogar-para-o-saragoca|title=Hélder Postiga vai jogar para o Saragoça|trans-title=Hélder Postiga will play to Zaragoza|newspaper=Correio da Manhã|language=pt|date=31 August 2011|access-date=10 April 2018}}

After three disallowed goals in as many matches,{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/deportes/la_semana_negra_postiga.html|title=La semana negra de Helder Postiga|trans-title=Hélder Postiga's black week|newspaper=Heraldo de Aragón|last=Mercadal|first=Javier|language=es|date=26 September 2011|access-date=15 April 2023}} Postiga opened his scoring account on 16 October 2011, netting twice in a 2–0 home defeat of Real Sociedad; this included a bicycle kick in the 11th minute of the game.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/323963?cc=5739|title=Postiga double downs Sociedad|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=16 October 2011|access-date=16 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310043331/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/323963?cc=5739|archive-date=10 March 2012}} He finished the season as club top scorer, in an eventual narrow escape from relegation.

On 10 November 2012, Postiga scored a brace to help the Aragonese to a 5–3 defeat of ten-men Deportivo de La Coruña.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348408/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|title=Zaragoza edge eight goal thriller|publisher=ESPN FC|date=10 November 2012|access-date=11 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109120557/http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348408/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|archive-date=9 January 2013}} He scored a career-best 14 goals during the campaign, but his team was relegated.{{cite news|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/torremarathon/2014/12/12/reconocible-sequia-helder/00031418401750619814189.htm|title=La reconocible sequía de Hélder Postiga|trans-title=Hélder Postiga's recognisable drought|newspaper=La Voz de Galicia|last=Bouzas|first=Fabián|language=es|date=12 December 2014|access-date=10 April 2018}}

On 8 August 2013, Postiga joined Valencia for a fee of £2.6 million, replacing Tottenham-bound Roberto Soldado.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/020c-0e8599eeb6f8-2948414895f0-1000--valencia-bring-in-postiga-from-zaragoza/|title=Valencia bring in Postiga from Zaragoza|publisher=UEFA|date=8 August 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}} On 1 September, in only the third match of the season, he netted twice late into the first half of the game against Barcelona at the Mestalla Stadium, but in an eventual 2–3 home loss.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373189/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Messi magic earns Barca win|publisher=ESPN FC|date=1 September 2013|access-date=11 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905063351/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373189/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|archive-date=5 September 2013}}

Postiga was loaned to Lazio for the remainder of the campaign on 30 January 2014, with the option of a permanent move afterwards.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0211-0e889911de3d-6f6d68a713ff-1000--lazio-loan-valencia-striker-postiga/|title=Lazio loan Valencia striker Postiga|publisher=UEFA|date=30 January 2014|access-date=1 May 2014}} He made his debut in Serie A on 26 March, playing 20 minutes in a 2–0 away defeat to Genoa.{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2014/03/26/news/genoa-lazio_2-0_gilardino_e_fetfatzidis_blindano_la_salvezza-82002275/|title=Genoa-Lazio 2–0, Gilardino e Fetfatzidis blindano la salvezza rossoblù|trans-title=Genoa-Lazio 2–0, Gilardino and Fetfatzidis secure red-and-blue survival|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|last=Gaetani|first=Marco|date=26 March 2014|access-date=14 October 2014}}

On 1 September 2014, Postiga terminated his link with Valencia, and subsequently signed a one-year deal with fellow top-division team Deportivo.{{cite web|url=http://www.canaldeportivo.com/servlet/es.iris.servlets.Noticias?accion=4&ver=1&nid=28670&mid=12|title=Hélder Postiga, nueva incorporación del Deportivo|trans-title=Hélder Postiga, new addition of Deportivo|publisher=Deportivo La Coruña|language=es|date=1 September 2014|access-date=1 September 2014}} He made his competitive debut two weeks later, featuring the full 90 minutes of a 1–0 win at Eibar.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2014_15/primera/jornada_3/eib_dep/|title=El Dépor pone una pica en Ipurua|trans-title=Depor stick a pike into Ipurua|newspaper=Marca|last=Aldunate|first=Ramiro|language=es|date=15 September 2014|access-date=8 November 2014}} His first goal for the Galicians came in his fifth match on 31 October: coming on at half-time for Luis Fariña, he scored a consolation in a 1–2 home loss to Getafe.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/327040/report|title=Primera Division: Getafe up to ninth with 2–1 away win over Deportivo|publisher=Sky Sports|date=31 October 2014|access-date=8 November 2014}} A week later, he was sent off in the 29th minute of a goalless draw at Córdoba, earning a second yellow card for a reaction when fouled by Íñigo López.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/322235/report|title=Goalless draw in Cordoba|publisher=Sky Sports|date=7 November 2014|access-date=19 January 2015}}

Postiga spent the better part of the season injured,{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/02/27/primera/1425075276_385511.html|title=Postiga, operado por segunda vez de su lesión de espalda|trans-title=Postiga, second back surgery for him|newspaper=Diario AS|language=es|date=27 February 2015|access-date=29 July 2015}} as Depor went on to narrowly avoid relegation.

On 29 July 2015, Postiga signed as the marquee player of Indian Super League franchise Atlético de Kolkata; at 32, he was the youngest such player in the competition, and was deemed by the management to be less injury-prone than his predecessor Luis García.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/In-big-coup-Atletico-de-Kolkata-rope-in-Portugal-World-Cupper-Helder-Postiga/articleshow/48276400.cms|title=In big coup, Atletico de Kolkata rope in Portugal World Cupper Helder Postiga|newspaper=The Times of India|last=Bhattacharya|first=Nilesh|date=30 July 2015|access-date=27 August 2015}} He made his debut on 3 October in the opening game of the season, scoring twice in a 3–2 win at Chennaiyin but leaving with an injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/footballnext/news/isl-2-helder-postiga-shines-on-debut-as-atletico-de-kolkata-win-opener-1134064.html|title=ISL 2: Helder Postiga shines on debut as Atletico de Kolkata win opener|publisher=News18|last=Nandwani|first=Abhishek|date=3 October 2015|access-date=3 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004171225/http://www.ibnlive.com/footballnext/news/isl-2-helder-postiga-shines-on-debut-as-atletico-de-kolkata-win-opener-1134064.html|archive-date=4 October 2015}} He made no further appearances, as they went on to be eliminated by precisely that opponent in the play-off semi-finals.

On 1 February 2016, Postiga returned to his homeland, signing for top-flight Rio Ave until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Desporto/Interior.aspx?content_id=5010171|title=Postiga reforça Rio Ave|trans-title=Postiga bolsters Rio Ave|newspaper=Jornal de Notícias|last=Martins|first=Arnaldo|language=pt|date=1 February 2016|access-date=15 February 2016}} In his second match, 26 days later, he opened a 2–1 away victory over Boavista which was his 50th goal in the division.{{cite news|url=http://www.agazeta.co.uk/helder-postiga-o-golo-50-catorze-anos-depois-do-primeiro/|title=Hélder Postiga: o golo 50 catorze anos depois do primeiro|trans-title=Hélder Postiga: the 50th goal fourteen years after the first|newspaper=A Gazeta|last1=Figueiredo|first1=João Tiago|last2=Madureira|first2=Nuno|language=pt|date=1 March 2016|access-date=2 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308111305/http://www.agazeta.co.uk/helder-postiga-o-golo-50-catorze-anos-depois-do-primeiro/|archive-date=8 March 2016}}

On 14 May 2016, in the last fixture, Postiga scored the winning goal as his team won 2–1 at União da Madeira, qualifying for the Europa League and relegating their opponents.{{cite news|url=http://abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=612080|title=Rio Ave vence na Madeira (2–1), qualifica-se para a Europa e atira União para a Liga 2|trans-title=Rio Ave win in Madeira (2–1), qualify themselves for Europe and send União to League 2|newspaper=A Bola|language=pt|date=14 May 2016|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515101853/http://abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=612080|archive-date=15 May 2016}}

On 12 August 2016, Postiga returned to Atlético Kolkata as their marquee player.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/paises/outros/detalhe/helder-postiga-regressa-ao-atletico-de-kolkata.html|title=Hélder Postiga regressa ao Atlético de Kolkata|trans-title=Hélder Postiga returns to Atlético de Kolkata|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=12 August 2016|access-date=12 August 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/helder-postiga-retained-as-atletico-de-kolkata-marquee-borja-lara-stay/story-YLXa7grRNQbEELJaG0jjMI.html|title=Helder Postiga retained as Atletico de Kolkata marquee; Borja, Lara stay|newspaper=Hindustan Times|last=Sarkar|first=Dhiman|date=12 August 2016|access-date=12 August 2016}} Early in his second match of the season, away to Kerala Blasters on 5 October, he suffered another long-term injury; the club's ownership admitted that due to such concerns they had wanted a different figurehead.{{cite web|url=http://www.oneindia.com/sports/football/isl-helder-postiga-ruled-of-action-next-three-matches-2236308.html|title=ISL: Helder Postiga ruled out of action for next three matches|publisher=Oneindia|last=Sarkar|first=Sujata|date=17 October 2016|access-date=17 October 2016}}

Postiga returned to the lineups and the side eventually won the championship, although he was substituted in the final.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/atletico-de-kolkata-crowned-isl-2016-champions-after-beating-kerala-blasters-fc/story-9WrkSZzrU73zJnH3LYobQN.html|title=Atletico de Kolkata crowned ISL 2016 champions after beating Kerala Blasters FC|newspaper=Hindustan Times|last=Sarkar|first=Dhiman|date=18 December 2016|access-date=20 December 2016}}

{{quote box

| width = 35%

| align = right

| quote = "Hélder is one of the most promising youngsters I've seen in Europe."

| source =  — Luiz Felipe Scolari, June 2003{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=165344|title=Spur Hélder Postiga elogiado por Scolari|trans-title=Scolari praises Spur Hélder Postiga|newspaper=Record|last=Cordeiro Pereira|first=Francisco|language=pt|date=26 June 2003|access-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416102238/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=165344|archive-date=16 April 2013}}

}}

Postiga earned the first of his 71 caps for the Portugal national team (27 goals){{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/jornal-dia/outros/rio-ave--a-pensar-no-europeu-5010415.html|title=Rio Ave {{!}} A pensar no Europeu|trans-title=Rio Ave {{!}} Thinking about the European Championship|newspaper=O Jogo|last=Veloso Gomes|first=André|language=pt|date=2 February 2016|access-date=15 April 2023}} on 12 February 2003 in a friendly with Italy, where he came on as a substitute for Tiago Mendes in the 70th minute – this game was also Luiz Felipe Scolari's first as manager.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=150851|title=Trio surpreendido com convocatória|trans-title=Trio surprised with callup|newspaper=Record|last1=Abecasis|first1=João Pedro|last2=Paulo|first2=Joaquim|language=pt|date=7 February 2003|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182845/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=150851|archive-date=16 December 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=151460|title=Itália-Portugal, 1–0 (Corradi 62')|trans-title=Italy-Portugal, 1–0 (Corradi 62')|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=12 February 2003|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182625/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=151460|archive-date=16 December 2013}} He was handed his first start on 10 June in the 4–0 win over Bolivia, where he scored his first two international goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=163813|title=Primeiros golos de Postiga|trans-title=First Postiga goals|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=11 June 2003|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182726/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=163813|archive-date=16 December 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=163818|title=Scolari: "No próximo encontro vou cobrar dos atletas"|trans-title=Scolari: "Next match I will ask players some tough questions"|newspaper=Record|last=Freitas|first=Céu|language=pt|date=11 June 2003|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216183001/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=163818|archive-date=16 December 2013}}

File:Helder Postiga – Portugal vs. Argentina, 9th February 2011 (1).jpg in a friendly against Argentina on 9 February 2011.]]

Even though he had arguably a poor year with Tottenham, Postiga was selected for UEFA Euro 2004.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=197722|title=Postiga: "Uma imensa felicidade"|trans-title=Postiga: "An immense happiness"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=18 May 2004|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216183005/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=197722|archive-date=16 December 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=198502|title=Hélder Postiga não se considera terceira opção no ataque|trans-title=Hélder Postiga does not see himself as third-choice striker|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=26 May 2004|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182620/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=198502|archive-date=16 December 2013}} In the tournament, he managed to save his team from defeat against England during the quarter-finals, netting an 83rd-minute equaliser to level the score at 1–1 as Portugal would prevail in the penalty shootout 6–5 after a 2–2 draw. He converted his attempt with a "Panenka-style" shot,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3830451.stm|title=Portugal break England hearts|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 June 2004|access-date=13 April 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=201800|title=Carta de Panenka|trans-title=Letter from Panenka|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=25 June 2004|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182732/http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=201800|archive-date=16 December 2013}} but did not feature in the final, lost 1–0 to outsiders Greece.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3860105.stm|title=Greece win Euro 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=4 July 2004|access-date=10 May 2015}}

Postiga was included in the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, starting against Mexico in a 2–1 win at the end of the group phase.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853302.stm|title=Portugal 2–1 Mexico|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 June 2006|access-date=10 May 2015}} In the quarter-finals, after replacing captain Luís Figo, he again scored to eliminate England on penalties,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991618.stm|title=England 0–0 Portugal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2006|access-date=10 May 2015}} as the nation eventually finished fourth.

In Euro 2008, Postiga was also mainly used from the bench. In the quarter-finals against Germany, he scored a late goal by heading in a cross from fellow replacement Nani, although Portugal lost 3–2.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/7363493.stm|title=Portugal 2–3 Germany|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=19 June 2008|access-date=10 May 2015}}

After more than two years of absence from the national team setup, Postiga was called up for two Euro 2012 qualifiers with Denmark and Iceland, in October 2010. On 12 October, against the latter, he netted in a 3–1 away victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2002313--iceland-vs-portugal/|title=Portugal revival goes on in Iceland|publisher=UEFA|date=13 October 2010|access-date=9 June 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015004554/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro2012/matches/season=2012/round=15171/match=2002313/index.html|archive-date=15 October 2010}} On 17 November, he put two past world champions Spain in a 4–0 friendly win in Lisbon.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnstar.com/football/news/detail/item533498/Portugal-4-0-Spain/|title=Portugal 4–0 Spain|publisher=ESPN Star Sports|date=18 November 2010|access-date=9 June 2011|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731010828/http://www.espnstar.com/football/news/detail/item533498/Portugal-4-0-Spain/|archive-date=31 July 2012}}

On 4 June 2011, Postiga scored the only goal in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Norway played at Estádio da Luz, which made him the tenth highest scorer in Portugal's history.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7cedbfaaab-4de71548fe37-1000--postiga-downs-norway-to-lift-portugal/|title=Postiga downs Norway to lift Portugal|publisher=UEFA|last=Brassell|first=Andy|date=4 June 2011|access-date=9 June 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718175254/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002298/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=18 July 2012}} He added a brace on 15 November that year, in a 6–2 play-off second leg defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina which secured a place in the competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7d25d0e66e-b579c2b34fdf-1000--portugal-overwhelm-ten-man-bosnia-and-herzegovina/|title=Portugal overwhelm ten-man Bosnia and Herzegovina|publisher=UEFA|last=Pimentel|first=José Nuno|date=15 November 2011|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011024322/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=2000113/match=2008831/postmatch/report/|archive-date=11 October 2015}}

Picked by Paulo Bento for the finals in Poland and Ukraine as first-choice striker, Postiga scored in the group-stage fixture against Denmark, the second in an eventual 3–2 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7dfb35befc-e83da22227ed-1000--varela-revives-portugal-s-as-denmark-come-unstuck-in-euro-20/|title=Varela revives Portugal's as Denmark come unstuck in EURO 2012 Group B|publisher=UEFA|last=Atkin|first=John|date=13 June 2012|access-date=13 June 2012}} He injured his right thigh in the first half of the national side's 1–0 quarter-final victory over the Czech Republic, being sidelined for the rest of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1112109/helder-postiga-sidelined-injury.html|title=Helder Postiga sidelined by injury|publisher=ESPN FC|date=22 June 2012|access-date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625055133/http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1112109/helder-postiga-sidelined-injury.html|archive-date=25 June 2012}}

Postiga scored six goals in the qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup. On 6 September 2013, he was sent off in the first half of a 3–2 win in Northern Ireland for headbutting Gareth McAuley;{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/northern-ireland/10292082/Northern-Ireland-2-Portugal-4-match-report.html|title=Northern Ireland 2 Portugal 4: match report|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Chase|first=Graham|date=6 September 2013|access-date=15 August 2019}} at the finals, he started the second game against the United States after an injury to Hugo Almeida in the opener, but was himself substituted 16 minutes later due to physical problems{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285256|title=USA 2–2 Portugal|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Oscroft|first=Tim|date=23 June 2014|access-date=10 May 2015}} as Portugal were eliminated in the group stage.

A childhood fan of Benfica who went on to play for their two main rivals,{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/seleccao/interior/helder-postiga-infancia-entre-a-lota-e-redes-de-pesca-3967179.html|title=Hélder Postiga: infância entre a lota e redes de pesca|trans-title=Hélder Postiga: childhood between the fish market and fishing nets|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|last=Ruela|first=João|language=pt|date=11 June 2014|access-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926205216/https://www.dn.pt/desporto/seleccao/interior/helder-postiga-infancia-entre-a-lota-e-redes-de-pesca-3967179.html|archive-date=26 September 2019}} Postiga grew up in the Caxinas fishing neighbourhood of Vila do Conde, as did his long-time international teammates Bruno Alves and Fábio Coentrão.{{cite news|url=https://observador.pt/2017/10/27/coentrao-e-o-regresso-do-menino-querido-das-caxinas-que-seria-pescador-se-nao-fosse-o-futebol/|title=Coentrão e o regresso do menino querido das Caxinas que seria pescador se não fosse o futebol|trans-title=Coentrão and the return of Caxinas' beloved boy who would be a fisherman if it were not for football|newspaper=Observador|last=Roseiro|first=Bruno|language=pt|date=27 October 2011|access-date=26 September 2019}}

Postiga's younger brother, José, was also a footballer and a forward. He played youth football at Sporting.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Sporting/interior_premium.aspx?content_id=830900|title=Segunda vaga Postiga começa a despontar|trans-title=Second wave of Postigas starts to emerge|newspaper=Record|last=Nunes|first=João Vasco|language=pt|date=2 July 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719110953/http://www.record.xl.pt:80/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Sporting/interior_premium.aspx?content_id=830900|archive-date=19 July 2013}}

{{notelist}}

File:GER-POR Euro 2012 (03).jpg's Mats Hummels at Euro 2012]]

:Source:{{cite web|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=24751|title=Hélder Postiga|publisher=European Football|access-date=10 May 2015}}

:Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first.{{cite web|url=https://www.fpf.pt/pt/Jogadores/Jogador/playerId/460829/contextId/182|title=Hélder Postiga|publisher=Portuguese Football Federation|language=pt|access-date=3 September 2017}}

Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2002–03, 2006–07
• Taça de Portugal: 2002–03
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2004
• UEFA Cup: 2002–03
• Intercontinental Cup: 2004

Sporting CP

• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2008{{cite web|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/sporting/sporting-vence-o-primeiro-trofeu-da-epoca_d258972|title=Sporting vence o primeiro troféu da época|trans-title=Sporting win first trophy of the season|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|language=pt|date=16 August 2008|access-date=14 April 2023}}

Atlético Kolkata

• Indian Super League: 2016

Portugal

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2004

Orders

• 60px Medal of Merit, Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (House of Braganza){{cite web|url=http://cristianosantosronaldo.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html|title=Selecção distinguida pelo Duque de Bragança|trans-title=National team honoured by Duke of Braganza|publisher=Cristiano Ronaldo News|language=pt|date=30 August 2006|access-date=30 August 2006}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Hélder Postiga}}

• {{ForaDeJogo}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• {{BDFutbol}}
• {{NFT player}}
• {{FIFA player}}

{{Navboxes

|title=Portugal squads

|bg=#900020

|fg=gold

|bordercolor=

|list1=

{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2004}}

{{Portugal squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2008}}

{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

{{Portugal squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Postiga, Helder}}

Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Portuguese sportsmen

Category:Portuguese men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Vila do Conde

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Primeira Liga players

Category:Segunda Divisão players

Category:FC Porto B players

Category:FC Porto players

Category:Sporting CP footballers

Category:Rio Ave F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players

Category:Ligue 1 players

Category:AS Saint-Étienne players

Category:Super League Greece players

Category:Panathinaikos F.C. players

Category:La Liga players

Category:Real Zaragoza players

Category:Valencia CF players

Category:Deportivo de La Coruña players

Category:Serie A players

Category:SS Lazio players

Category:Indian Super League players

Category:Indian Super League marquee players

Category:ATK (football club) players

Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players

Category:Portugal men's youth international footballers

Category:Portugal men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Portugal men's B international footballers

Category:Portugal men's international footballers

Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players

Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players

Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players

Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players

Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players

Category:Portuguese expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in India

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in France

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in Greece

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in Spain

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:Portuguese expatriate sportspeople in India