Raul Meireles#Tattoos

Meireles was born in Porto,{{cite news |date=17 March 2013 |title=Faz anos Raul Meireles |trans-title=Birthday for Raul Meireles |url=http://jornaldeangola.sapo.ao/desporto/futebol/faz_anos_raul_meireles |url-status=dead |access-date=24 July 2020 |newspaper=Jornal de Angola |language=pt}} and joined local Boavista FC's youth system at the age of seven. He spent two years on loan to C.D. Aves in the Segunda Liga, being presented on 8 July 2001.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=91667|title=Dez reforços apresentados|trans-title=Ten additions presented|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=9 July 2001|access-date=15 February 2011}}

Meireles scored his first senior goal on 25 May 2003, in a 2–1 home win over C.F. União where he fired from 30 metres into the net.{{cite news |date=26 May 2003 |title=D. Aves-U. Madeira, 2–1: Vítor Manuel resolve |trans-title=D. Aves-U. Madeira, 2–1: Vítor Manuel the decider |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=161980 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 February 2011 |newspaper=Record |language=pt}} He finished that season with 26 appearances, helping his team to finish in sixth position.

For the 2003–04 campaign, Meireles returned to Boavista.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=166179|title=A prata da casa para travar a crise|trans-title=Homegrown talent to stop crisis|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=4 July 2003|access-date=16 February 2011}} He made his debut in the Primeira Liga on 17 August against S.L. Benfica, being chosen Player of the match of the 0–0 home draw by newspaper Record.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=170626|title=Boavista frente ao Benfica: Escola de combate com lição de Raúl|trans-title=Boavista against Benfica: School fight with Raúl lesson|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=18 August 2003|access-date=16 February 2011}}

On 7 July 2004, FC Porto signed Meireles on a five–year contract,{{cite news |date=7 July 2004 |title=Raul Meireles confirmado oficialmente |trans-title=Raul Meireles officially confirmed |url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/raul-meireles-confirmado-oficialmente |url-status=dead |access-date=26 July 2022 |newspaper=Record |language=pt}} being presented in a press conference held five days later.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/meireles-rossato-areias-pepe-e-paulo-assuncao-apresentados|title=Meireles, Rossato, Areias, Pepe e Paulo Assunção apresentados|trans-title=Meireles, Rossato, Areias, Pepe and Paulo Assunção presented|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=12 July 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}} His first competitive match took place on 22 September against U.D. Leiria at the Estádio do Dragão, coming off the bench early into the first half on an eventual 1–1 league draw.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=210885|title=FC Porto frente à U. Leiria: Estranho elevador que desceu ao −6|trans-title=FC Porto against U. Leiria: Strange elevator that went down to −6|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=23 September 2004|access-date=16 February 2011}} On 18 February of the following year he made his first start, in an away victory over C.F. Os Belenenses.{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/detalhe/costinha-nas-alturas-da-tres-pontos-ao-dragao|title=Costinha nas alturas dá três pontos ao dragão|trans-title=Costinha gives dragon three points from up above|newspaper=Correio da Manhã|language=pt|date=19 February 2005|access-date=2 October 2017}} Five days later, he made his debut in the UEFA Champions League by featuring the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw with Inter Milan in the round-of-16 first leg;{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01a6-0ea7925aa873-284fc43aa6d2-1000--porto-hit-back-to-hold-inter/|title=Porto hit back to hold Inter|publisher=UEFA|date=23 February 2005|access-date=26 July 2022}} he finished his first year with 15 appearances in all competitions (no goals). Meireles started in Porto's first league fixture of 2005–06, against C.F. Estrela da Amadora, sustaining an ankle injury that sidelined him for one month.{{cite news |date=22 August 2005 |title=Nuno Valente na equipa B |trans-title=Nuno Valente in B team |url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/nuno-valente-na-equipa-b |url-status=dead |access-date=26 July 2022 |newspaper=Record |language=pt}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/lisandro-lopez-e-raul-meireles-recuperados|title=Lisandro López e Raul Meireles recuperados|trans-title=Lisandro Lopez and Raul Meireles recovered|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=19 September 2005|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/raul-meireles-de-regresso-aos-eleitos|title=Raul Meireles de regresso aos eleitos|trans-title=Raul Meireles again one of the chosen|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=22 October 2005|access-date=26 July 2022}} He returned to action in October, in a Taça de Portugal tie with F.C. Marco.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/fc-porto-marco-1-0-so-um-terrivel-ivanildo|title=FC Porto-Marco, 1–0: Só um terrível Ivanildo|trans-title=FC Porto-Marco, 1–0: Only a terrible Ivanildo|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=27 October 2005|access-date=26 July 2022}}

On 19 February 2006, Meireles scored his first goal for the Dragons in his 50th league appearance, giving a 1–0 home victory over C.S. Marítimo.{{cite news |url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/raul-meireles-rumo-ao-titulo |title=Raul Meireles "rumo ao título" |trans-title=Raul Meireles "toward the title" |newspaper=Record |language=pt |date=20 February 2006 |access-date=26 July 2022}} He netted his second three matchdays later in a 2–0 defeat of Vitória de Setúbal,{{cite web |last=Palma |first=Irene |date=10 March 2006 |title=V. Setúbal-F.C. Porto, 0–2 (destaques) |trans-title=V. Setúbal-F.C. Porto, 0–2 (highlights) |url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/v-setubal-f-c-porto-0-2-destaques#/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 October 2017 |publisher=Mais Futebol |language=pt}} as the season ended with double conquest.

In the following four years, during which the domestic league was won three additional times, Meireles featured regularly in Porto's midfield, often partnering Fernando and Lucho González. He scored his first goal in the Champions League in the 2006–07 edition, a 1–1 last-16 home draw against Chelsea, coached by José Mourinho.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01be-0ea8a02bd466-ebe0e1b7e099-1000--porto-draw-suits-chelsea/|title=Porto draw suits Chelsea|publisher=UEFA|last=Atkin|first=John|date=21 February 2007|access-date=26 July 2022}}

File:Raul Meireles 2011 Singapore.jpg pre-season training in Singapore.]]

On 29 August 2010, Meireles moved to Liverpool for a fee of £11.5 million.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8952889.stm|title=Liverpool sign midfielder Raul Meireles from Porto|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2010|access-date=29 August 2010}} He was awarded the No. 4 shirt, which was vacated by Alberto Aquilani who joined Juventus FC on loan.{{cite web|url=http://anfieldred.co.uk/liverpool-fc-transfers-raul-meireles-completes-move/1713|title=Liverpool FC transfers: Raul Meireles completes move|publisher=Anfield Red|date=30 August 2010|access-date=12 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420055733/http://anfieldred.co.uk/liverpool-fc-transfers-raul-meireles-completes-move/|archive-date=20 April 2012}} He made his Premier League debut on 12 September, playing 14 minutes in a 0–0 draw at Birmingham City,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8983680.stm|title=Birmingham 0–0 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2010|access-date=12 November 2010}} and his maiden appearance in the UEFA Europa League occurred four days later in the 4–1 group stage victory over FC Steaua București at Anfield where he played the entire game.{{Cite news |last=Hunter |first=Andy |date=2010-09-16 |title=David Ngog and his understudies give Liverpool reasons to be cheerful |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/sep/16/liverpool-steaua-bucharest-europa-league |access-date=2025-05-27 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Meireles was handed his first league start on 19 September 2010, in a 3–2 away loss against Manchester United.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/7943384/Manchester-United-3-Liverpool-2-match-report.html|title=Manchester United 3 Liverpool 2: match report|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|last=Winter|first=Henry|date=19 September 2010|access-date=12 November 2010}} On 16 January 2011, he scored his first goal for his new team in the 2–2 home draw with Everton, which coincided with Kenny Dalglish's first home game back as manager.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9358275.stm|title=Liverpool 2–2 Everton|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Vesty|first=Marc|date=16 January 2011|access-date=11 September 2011}} His second came six days later in a 3–0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, when he struck a dipping 25-yard volley into the top corner of the net in the 50th minute.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9365393.stm|title=Wolverhampton 0–3 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Sanghera|first=Mandeep|date=22 January 2011|access-date=25 January 2011}} On 12 February 2011, Meireles netted his fifth league goal in seven games: he put the hosts ahead midway through the first half, but Wigan Athletic eventually tied it 1–1 as Liverpool attempted to reorganise following his replacement due a stomach bug.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9392565.stm|title=Liverpool 1–1 Wigan|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Dawkes|first=Phil|date=12 February 2011|access-date=11 September 2011}}{{Cite web |last=Varela |first=Silvestre |date=2024-08-27 |title=netwin |url=https://netwin.skin/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-1-1-wigan-sunday-mirror-3333844|title=Liverpool 1–1 Wigan: Sunday Mirror match report|newspaper=Daily Mirror|last=Allsop|first=Derick|date=12 February 2011|access-date=20 July 2012}} His scoring run was rewarded with the ESPN PFA Fans' Player of the Month trophy for February, being an essential figure as the Reds climbed up the table.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/86660.html|title=Meireles named Fans' Player of the Year|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=21 April 2011|access-date=12 April 2023}} He finished the season with 33 matches, helping to a final sixth place and being voted the PFA Fans' Player of the Year, beating Dimitar Berbatov, David Luiz, Samir Nasri and Fernando Torres.

In the second match of the 2011–12 campaign, away against Arsenal, Meireles played 19 minutes after replacing Dirk Kuyt, and provided the assist for Luis Suárez in a 2–0 win which marked the first time they had defeated the opposition on their ground in 11 years.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14514681.stm|title=Arsenal 0–2 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=20 August 2011|access-date=11 September 2011}} On 31 August, however, he asked to be transfer listed.{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/meireles-submits-transfer-request|title=Meireles submits transfer request|publisher=Liverpool F.C.|last=Hassall|first=Paul|date=31 August 2011|access-date=31 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410193940/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/meireles-submits-transfer-request|archive-date=10 April 2012}}

With Chelsea in the market for a midfielder following a long-term injury to Michael Essien, and an unsuccessful bid to acquire Luka Modrić from Tottenham Hotspur,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14087070.stm|title=Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien out for six months|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 July 2011|access-date=3 January 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14965942.stm|title=Luka Modric deserves pay rise – Harry Redknapp|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 September 2011|access-date=3 January 2012}} the former signed Meireles to a four-year deal on 31 August 2011, for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £12 million.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14708743.stm|title=Liverpool's Raul Meireles moves to Chelsea|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2011|access-date=31 August 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2438063|title=Raul Meireles joins Chelsea|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|date=31 August 2011|access-date=31 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130726224715/http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2438063|archive-date=26 July 2013}} He chose the squad number 16, due to the fact he often wore it when on international duty,{{cite web|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2438494|title=Meireles takes 16|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|date=1 September 2011|access-date=1 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707043512/http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2438494|archive-date=7 July 2014}} and later claimed he never wanted to leave Liverpool but that the chance to work with André Villas-Boas, with whom he had spent a short period of time at Porto, was too good an opportunity to turn down.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14823977.stm|title=Raul Meireles explains switch from Liverpool to Chelsea|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 September 2011|access-date=14 April 2012}}

Meireles made his debut on 10 September 2011 against Sunderland, which ended in a 2–1 away win with him setting up Daniel Sturridge's goal with a long pass.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14773097.stm|title=Sunderland 1–2 Chelsea|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Phillips|first=Owen|date=10 September 2011|access-date=11 September 2011}} In the following month, he scored his first goal for the club during a Champions League group stage 5–0 defeat of K.R.C. Genk.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15269495|title=Chelsea 5–0 Genk|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Shemilt|first=Stephan|date=19 October 2011|access-date=14 April 2012}} On 12 December, he netted for the first time in the domestic league to contribute to a 2–1 home victory against league leaders Manchester City also at Stamford Bridge.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16117291|title=Chelsea 2–1 Manchester City|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=12 December 2011|access-date=3 January 2012}}

On 18 March 2012, Meireles scored a goal and provided two assists to Torres, who ended his 24-game goal drought in the 5–2 home triumph against Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17330279|title=Chelsea 5–2 Leicester|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Chase|first=Graham|date=18 March 2012|access-date=18 March 2012}} On 4 April, he scored in the final minutes of a Champions League quarter-final 2–1 victory over Benfica, setting up a last-four tie with reigning champions FC Barcelona.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17532972|title=Chelsea 2–1 Benfica (agg 3–1)|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=4 April 2012|access-date=14 April 2012}} He won his first title in English football on 5 May after a 2–1 win against his former club Liverpool in the FA Cup final where he replaced Ramires for the last 15 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17878435|title=Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=5 May 2012|access-date=29 May 2012}} He sat out the Champions League final against FC Bayern Munich after receiving a yellow card against Barcelona at Camp Nou,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17835147|title=John Terry apologises to Chelsea's fans after dismissal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 April 2012|access-date=2 June 2012}} but was still given a medal for his participation after the 4–3 victory on penalties.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044385|title=Chelsea 1–1 Bayern Munich (aet, 4–3 pens)|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=19 May 2012|access-date=2 June 2012}}

On 3 September 2012, Meireles was sold to Fenerbahçe SK for £8 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19466253|title=Raul Meireles leaves Chelsea for Fenerbahce in £8m deal|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Keogh|first=Frank|date=3 September 2012|access-date=15 October 2012}} He was to earn €3 million in his first season, in addition to a €10,000 per-match bonus.{{cite web|url=http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=3469|title=Raul Meireles to Fenerbahce – Financial details|publisher=Turkish Football|date=8 September 2012|access-date=6 September 2012}} He scored his first goal for the Turkish club on 4 October, in a 4–2 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Europa League group stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0202-0e80421cdc92-ecde97a2168d-1000--fenerbahce-beat-gladbach-for-first-win-in-germany/|title=Fenerbahçe beat Gladbach for first win in Germany|publisher=UEFA|last=Holyman|first=Ian|date=4 October 2012|access-date=26 July 2022}} His first in the Süper Lig came on 25 November, in a 4–1 win against Gençlerbirliği.

In December 2012, Meireles was handed an eleven-match ban by the Turkish Football Federation for spitting at a referee.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2885/europe/2012/12/20/3617933/meireles-incurs-11-match-ban-for-spitting-at-referee?source=breakingnews|title=Meireles incurs 11-match ban for spitting at referee|publisher=Goal|last=Tigani|first=Frank|date=20 December 2012|access-date=21 December 2012}} The alleged actions were followed by accusations of homophobic remarks after he received a second yellow card in the second half of a 1–2 away defeat to rivals Galatasaray SK.{{cite web|url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/ultimas-noticias/efe/2012/12/21/suspenso-por-11-jogos-raul-meireles-nega-ter-cuspido-e-insultado-arbitro.htm|title=Suspenso por 11 jogos, Raúl Meireles nega ter cuspido e insultado árbitro|trans-title=Suspended for 11 matches, Raúl Meireles denies having spat on and insulted referee|publisher=Universo Online|language=pt|date=21 December 2012|access-date=24 July 2020}} However, the ban was reduced on appeal to four games after it was ruled that he could not have spat at the referee, being only guilty of verbal abuse.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20855802|title=Raul Meireles: Ex-Liverpool & Chelsea player's ban reduced|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 December 2012|access-date=28 December 2012}}

Meireles scored once from 20 appearances in 2013–14, helping his team win the national championship after a three-year wait.{{cite web|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/futebol-internacional/fenerbahce-de-alves-e-meireles-conquista-o-seu-19o-titulo-de-campeao-turco_d733558|title=Fenerbahçe, de Alves e Meireles, conquista o seu 19.º título de campeão turco|trans-title=Fenerbahçe, of Alves and Meireles, conquer their 19th Turkish champions title|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|language=pt|date=27 April 2014|access-date=24 July 2020}} During his spell in Istanbul, he shared teams with compatriots Bruno Alves, Nani and Vítor Pereira.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/futebol-internacional/besiktas-vence-e-assume-provisoriamente-a-lideranca-na-turquia_d879322|title=Besiktas vence e assume provisoriamente a liderança na Turquia|trans-title=Besiktas win and take first place in Turkey for the moment|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|language=pt|date=5 December 2015|access-date=18 February 2016}}

Meireles represented the Portuguese under-16 team at the 2000 UEFA European Championship, which was won in Israel after a 2–1 defeat of the Czech Republic.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=33015|title=Sub-16: Portugal campeão europeu|trans-title=Under-16: Portugal European champions|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=14 May 2000|access-date=16 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/europeu/detalhe/portugal-reencontra-checos-12-anos-depois|title=Portugal reencontra checos 12 anos depois|trans-title=Portugal meets Czechs again 12 years later|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=10 June 2008|access-date=26 July 2022}} He subsequently participated in the 2001 Meridian Cup with the under-17s, starting three times in an eventual third-place finish.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/meridian-cup-portugal-arranca-com-goleada-6-0-sobre-a-nigeria|title=Meridian Cup: Portugal arranca com goleada (6–0) sobre a Nigéria|trans-title=Meridian Cup: Portugal start with a rout (6–0) of Nigeria|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=27 January 2001|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=67242|title={{sic|nolink=y|Meridien}} Cup: Sub-17 cedem empate com o Gana|trans-title=Meridian Cup: Under-17 concede draw against Ghana|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=30 January 2001|access-date=15 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/taca-meridian-portugal-vence-e-fica-em-terceiro|title=Taça Meridian: Portugal vence e fica em terceiro|trans-title=Meridian Cup: Portugal win and finish third|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=3 February 2001|access-date=26 July 2022}}

In November 2001, Meireles was named in the under-19 squad for the 2003 European Championship qualifying tournament,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/quaresma-e-hugo-viana-na-seleccao-de-sub-19|title=Quaresma e Hugo Viana na selecção de sub-19|trans-title=Quaresma and Hugo Viana in the national under-19 team|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=8 November 2001|access-date=26 July 2022}} scoring in a 1–2 loss to Belarus but helping his country qualify.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/sub-19-decisao-antecipada-ditou-exibicao-muito-frouxa|title=Sub-19: Decisão antecipada ditou exibição muito frouxa|trans-title=Under-19: Early decision translated into very poor display|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=25 November 2001|access-date=26 July 2022}} On 2 June 2003, he was selected by the under-20 side for the Toulon Tournament,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/sub-20-sporting-e-fc-porto-dominam-convocatoria?act=0&est=Aberto|title=Sub-20: Sporting e FC Porto dominam convocatória|trans-title=Under-20: Sporting and FC Porto rule the squad|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=2 June 2003|access-date=26 July 2022}} winning the competition and being voted its second-best player.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=164956|title=A afirmação de uma geração|trans-title=A generation takes a stand|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=23 June 2003|access-date=15 February 2011}}

Meireles featured regularly in the qualifying phase for the 2004 European Under-21 Championship, including a play-off tie against France where the played the full 90 minutes in a 4–1 penalty shootout victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/sub-21-franca-portugal-1-2-cisse-42-ronaldo-29-bruno-alves-75-1-4-nas-gp|title=Sub-21: França-Portugal, 1–2 (Cissé 42; Ronaldo 29, Bruno Alves 75), 1–4 nas g.p.|trans-title=Under-21: France-Portugal, 1–2 (Cissé 42; Ronaldo 29, Bruno Alves 75), 1–4 in p.s.|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=18 November 2003|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/franca-portugal-1-2-1-4-gp-uma-prova-de-classe-de-uma-geracao-de-ouro|title=França-Portugal, 1–2 (1–4 gp): Uma prova de classe de uma geração de ouro|trans-title=France-Portugal, 1–2 (1–4 ps): Display of class from a golden generation|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=19 November 2003|access-date=26 July 2022}} He was then selected by coach José Romão for the finals, appearing in four of five games to help the country qualify for the Summer Olympics{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/europeu-sub-21-suecia-portugal-3-1-elmander-39-50-ishizaki-70-hugo-almeida-27|title=Europeu Sub-21: Suécia-Portugal, 3–1 (Elmander 39, 50, Ishizaki 70; Hugo Almeida 27)|trans-title=Under-21 Euro: Sweden-Portugal, 3–1 (Elmander 39, 50, Ishizaki 70; Hugo Almeida 27)|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=28 May 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/europeu-sub-21-suica-portugal-2-2-vonlanthen-56-kulaksizoglu-85-carlos-martins-gp-65-hugo-almeida-70|title=Europeu Sub-21: Suíça-Portugal, 2–2 (Vonlanthen 56, Kulaksizoglu 85; Carlos Martins (gp) 65, Hugo Almeida 70)|trans-title=Under-21 Euro: Switzerland-Portugal, 2–2 (Vonlanthen 56, Kulaksizoglu 85; Carlos Martins (pk) 65, Hugo Almeida 70)|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=30 May 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/europeu-sub-21-portugal-vence-alemanha-2-1-e-esta-na-meia-final|title=Europeu Sub-21: Portugal vence Alemanha (2–1) e está na meia-final|trans-title=Under-21 Euro: Portugal beat Germany (2–1) and reach semi-finals|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=2 June 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/europeu-sub-21-portugal-suecia-3-2-hugo-viana-gp-75-jorge-ribeiro-85-carlitos-113-elmander-45-rosenberg-89?ref=Saber%20Mais_BlocoSaberMais|title=Europeu Sub-21: Portugal-Suécia, 3–2 (Hugo Viana (gp) 75, Jorge Ribeiro 85, Carlitos 113; Elmander 45, Rosenberg 89)|trans-title=Under-21 Euro: Portugal-Sweden, 3–2 (Hugo Viana (pk) 75, Jorge Ribeiro 85, Carlitos 113; Elmander 45, Rosenberg 89)|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=8 June 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}}– he missed the semi-finals against Italy due to suspension;{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/europeu-sub-21-hugo-almeida-falha-meia-final|title=Europeu Sub-21: Hugo Almeida falha meia-final|trans-title=Under-21 Euro: Hugo Almeida misses the semi-finals|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=4 June 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}} in the ensuing Olympic tournament in Athens,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/boa-morte-frechaut-e-meira-em-atenas|title=Boa Morte, Frechaut e Meira em Atenas|trans-title=Boa Morte, Frechaut e Meira in Athens|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=21 July 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}} he started twice{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=206993|title=Marrocos-Portugal, 1–2 (Bouden 84; Cristiano Ronaldo 40, Ricardo Costa 73)|trans-title=Morocco-Portugal, 1–2 (Bouden 84; Cristiano Ronaldo 40, Ricardo Costa 73)|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=15 August 2004|access-date=18 February 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=207327|title=Costa Rica-Portugal, 4–2 (Villalobos 50, F. Meira 67, Saborio 69, Brenes 90; H. Almeida 28, J. Ribeiro 53)|trans-title=Costa Rica-Portugal, 4–2 (Villalobos 50, F. Meira 67, Saborio 69, Brenes 90; H. Almeida 28, J. Ribeiro 53)|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=18 August 2004|access-date=18 February 2011}} and appeared as a second-half substitute against Iraq, as Portugal exited in the group stage with three points.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/detalhe/portugal-frente-ao-iraque|title=Portugal frente ao Iraque|trans-title=Portugal against Iraque|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=13 August 2004|access-date=26 July 2022}}

File:Angel di Maria (L), Raul Meireles (R), Portugal - Argentina, 9th February 2011.jpg (left) and Meireles (right) battle for the ball during a friendly match between Portugal and Argentina on 9 February 2011.]]

Meireles' first game for the Portuguese senior team took place on 15 November 2006, when he played the entire 3–0 win over Kazakhstan for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers.{{cite news |date=9 November 2006 |title=Raul Meireles e Tonel na lista de convocados |trans-title=Raul Meireles and Tonel amongst the selected |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=288098 |url-status=dead |access-date=18 February 2011 |newspaper=Record |language=pt}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/cofina-editor/repositorio/linha-direta/detalhe/sangue-novo|title=Sangue novo|trans-title=New blood|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=13 November 2006|access-date=26 July 2022}} He was picked for the final stages in Austria and Switzerland,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-selecoes/europeu/detalhe/conheca-os-23-viriatos|title=Conheça os 23 Viriatos|trans-title=Meet the 23 Viriatos|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=12 May 2008|access-date=26 July 2022}} marking his debut in a major international competition with a goal in the 2–0 group stage victory against Turkey (also his first), after entering the pitch in the 83rd minute.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7362969.stm|title=Portugal 2–0 Turkey|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=15 June 2008|access-date=18 February 2016}} He then started alongside several reserve players in the final group clash, a 2–0 defeat to Switzerland;{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15093/match=300698/index.html|title=Yakin goals send hosts out on a high|publisher=UEFA|last=Harrold|first=Michael|date=15 June 2008|access-date=18 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709202340/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15093/match=300698/index.html|archive-date=9 July 2012}} four days later, he replaced João Moutinho during the first half of an eventual 3–2 quarter-final loss to Germany.{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15094/match=301699/index.html|title=Portugal ousted by German power show|publisher=UEFA|last=Hart|first=Simon|date=19 June 2008|access-date=18 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708140236/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15094/match=301699/index.html|archive-date=8 July 2012}}

On 18 November 2009, Meireles scored an important goal in the 1–0 away victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second play-off game, thus securing qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=284575&cc=5739|title=Meireles winner seals progress|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 November 2009|access-date=18 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108202421/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=284575&cc=5739|archive-date=8 November 2012}} He was named in Carlos Queiroz's 23-men squad,{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=440865|title=Queiroz chama Fábio Coentrão|trans-title=Queiroz calls Fábio Coentrão|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=10 May 2010|access-date=18 February 2011}} and was a starter throughout the entire tournament, netting in the 7–0 group stage rout of North Korea in Cape Town.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264070&cc=5739&ver=global|title=Seventh heaven|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=21 June 2010|access-date=18 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625142351/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264070&cc=5739&ver=global|archive-date=25 June 2010}}

Meireles also appeared for Portugal at the Euro 2012 (five starts for the semi-finalists){{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0252-0cdc4f07099d-bbe9e9886641-1000--spain-survive-test-of-nerve-against-portugal-to-reach-euro-/|title=Spain survive test of nerve to reach final|publisher=UEFA|last=Burke|first=Chris|date=27 June 2012|access-date=18 February 2016}} and 2014 World Cup (two games, group stage exit) tournaments.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186475/match-report.html|title=Muller-inspired Germany thrash ten-man Portugal|publisher=FIFA|date=16 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623121843/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186475/match-report.html|archive-date=23 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186483/match-report.html|title=Varela strikes to save Portugal|publisher=FIFA|date=22 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626032918/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186483/match-report.html|archive-date=26 June 2014}}

Meireles could play in any position in the midfield, but preferred to operate as a central midfielder.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Internacional/Portugueses/interior.aspx?content_id=513930|title=Raul Meireles: "4.º lugar é o mínimo"|trans-title=Raul Meireles: "4.º place is the least"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=23 November 2011|access-date=14 January 2011}} He was capable of being deployed in both a defensive and attacking role, depending on the players available and coaches' strategies. At Porto, he was used initially as a defensive midfielder, but tactical factors saw him switch to attacking midfielder;{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivointerior.aspx?content_id=261287|title=A titularidade prometida|trans-title=The promised start|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=16 February 2006|access-date=15 April 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/fc-porto/detalhe/o-descanso-de-meireles|title=O descanso de Meireles|trans-title=Meireles' rest|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=6 December 2008|access-date=26 July 2022}} in an opposite approach, when Paulo Bento was appointed as the Portuguese head coach in 2010, the player was eventually played in a more defensive position after starting out in attacking midfield.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/selecoes/detalhe/paulo-bento-equilibrados-e-rigorosos-468324|title=Paulo Bento: "Equilibrados e rigorosos"|trans-title=Paulo Bento: "Balanced and thorough"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=14 October 2010|access-date=26 July 2022}}

Under his Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, Meireles was also deployed as a deep-lying playmaker on occasion.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1122275-raul-meireles-5-reasons-he-flopped-after-leaving-liverpool|title=Raul Meireles: 5 reasons he flopped after leaving Liverpool|publisher=Bleacher Report|last=Siu|first=Vince|date=28 March 2012|access-date=26 May 2020}} A versatile, tactically astute and mobile player, his main traits were his passing and tackling, although he was also known for his work-rate and powerful long–range shooting abilities.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-portugal-penpix/penpix-of-portugals-squad-idUSTRE64K4CY20100521?mod=related&channelName=sportsNews|title=Penpix of Portugal's squad|agency=Reuters|date=21 May 2010|access-date=26 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6913691/english-premier-league-transfer-window-report-card-club-club-michael-cox|title=EPL transfer window report card|publisher=ESPN|last=Cox|first=Michael|date=31 August 2011|access-date=26 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/raul-meireles|title=Raul Meireles|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=26 May 2020}}

File:Martim.jpg

Meireles' father, Raul Meireles Sr., worked with Boavista as a masseur and encouraged his son to play football in that club when he was only six.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/arquivointerior.aspx?content_id=203068|title=Raúl Meireles: "Quero ser feliz"|trans-title=Raúl Meireles: "I want to be happy"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=8 July 2004|access-date=14 April 2012}} In 2008 he married Ivone, with whom he had been in a relationship for several years. The couple met while he was a youth player, and their wedding ceremony was held at Martim Church in Barcelos, with several guests including Porto teammates Bruno Alves, José Bosingwa, Pedro Emanuel, Nuno Espírito Santo, Lucho González, Mariano González, Lisandro López and Pepe;{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/jogo-da-vida/detalhe/raul-meireles-e-ivone-casam-se-hoje|title=Raul Meireles e Ivone casam-se hoje|trans-title=Raul Meireles and Ivone marry today|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=5 July 2008|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/jogo-da-vida/detalhe/raul-meireles-e-ivone-deram-o-no|title=Raul Meireles e Ivone deram o nó|trans-title=Raul Meireles and Ivone tied the knot|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=6 July 2008|access-date=26 July 2022}} the couple's clothes were designed by Fátima Lopes,{{cite news|url=http://www.destak.pt/artigo/12595|title=Fátima Lopes veste Raul Meireles|trans-title=Fátima Lopes dresses Raul Meireles|newspaper=Destak|language=pt|date=4 July 2008|access-date=14 April 2012}} and the christening of their daughter Lara was also performed there.{{cite web|url=http://socqer.com/questions/1002/who-is-raul-meireles-wife-and-does-he-have-any-children/|title=Who is Raul Meireles' wife and does he have any children?|publisher=Socqer|last=Johns|first=Richard|date=1 September 2011|access-date=14 April 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119213429/http://socqer.com/questions/1002/who-is-raul-meireles-wife-and-does-he-have-any-children/|archive-date=19 January 2012}}

On 17 February 2009, the couple opened a clothes shop in Ermesinde, and Ivone declared that the idea made sense because both she and Meireles were interested in fashion.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/jogo-da-vida/detalhe/raul-meireles-abre-loja|title=Raul Meireles abre loja|trans-title=Raul Meireles opens shop|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=19 February 2009|access-date=26 July 2022}} In January 2019, his rendition of António Variações' O Corpo é que Paga in the premiere of Lip Sync Portugal received critical acclaim.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/multimedia/videos/detalhe/raul-meireles-veste-a-pele-de-antonio-variacoes-e-arrasa-em-programa-da-sic|title=Raul Meireles 'veste' a pele de António Variações e arrasa em programa da SIC|trans-title=Raul Meireles 'dresses' skin of António Variações and tears it down in SIC show|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=14 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019}}

Meireles was a fan of tattoos since he was 18 years old. Numerous images adorned his body, including those of Ivone and Lara. He also had a large design of a black and red Chinese-style dragon, drawn in two stages and sprawling across his back,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/jogo-da-vida/detalhe/meireles-completa-mais-uma-tatuagem-739453|title=Meireles completa mais uma tatuagem|trans-title=Meireles completes one more tattoo|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=4 February 2012|access-date=26 July 2022}} and a huge necklace tattoo with a skull, drawn one week after his twenty-eighth birthday.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/jogo-da-vida/detalhe/nova-tatuagem-para-meireles-689517|title=Nova tatuagem para Meireles|trans-title=New tattoo for Meireles|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=23 March 2011|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2019-08-31 |title=Raul Meireles’ 20 Tattoos & Their Meanings - Body Art Guru |url=https://bodyartguru.com/raul-meireles-tattoos/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-US}}

After moving to Anfield, during an interview with Liverpool's official website, Meireles jokingly said that he wanted to win the "ink championship" against teammates Daniel Agger and Martin Škrtel, due to their shared affection for tattoos.{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/raul-meireles-em-liverpool-anfield-a-comunicacao-e-as-tatuagens|title=Raul Meireles em Liverpool: Anfield, a comunicação e as tatuagens|trans-title=Raul Meireles in Liverpool: Anfield, communication and tattoos|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=2 November 2010|access-date=26 July 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/liverpool-meireles-e-rei-das-tatuagens-e-promete-mais-uma|title=Liverpool: Meireles é rei das tatuagens e promete mais uma|trans-title=Liverpool: Meireles is tattoo king and he promises another one|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=28 February 2011|access-date=24 July 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/gallery/liverpool-fc-players-tattoos-9518392|title=Liverpool FC players and their tattoos|newspaper=Liverpool Echo|last=Price|first=Mike|date=24 June 2015|access-date=24 July 2020}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Meireles goal.

File:Bosingwa Kalou Meireles Mikel Lampard.jpg]]

Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
• Taça de Portugal: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2006, 2009, 2010

Chelsea

• FA Cup: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League: 2011–12

Fenerbahçe

• Süper Lig: 2013–14
• Turkish Cup: 2012–13
• Turkish Super Cup: 2014

Portugal U-16

• UEFA European Under-16 Championship: 2000

Portugal U-21

• Toulon Tournament: 2003

Individual

• PFA Fans' Player of the Month: February 2011{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/06/27/2549730/raul-meireles-set-for-liverpool-exit-report|title=Raul Meireles set for Liverpool exit – report|publisher=Goal|date=27 June 2011|access-date=26 July 2022}}
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2011

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{ForaDeJogo}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• [https://www.lfchistory.net/Players/Player/Profile/1225 Liverpool historic profile]
• {{TFF player}}
• {{FPF national player|456445}}
• {{NFT player}}
• {{FIFA player}}

{{Navboxes

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{{Portugal Squad 2004 Summer Olympics}}

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{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

{{Portugal squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{FC Porto Player of the Year}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Meireles, Raul}}

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