Position: Midfielder
Born: 31.10.79
Club: Benfica

This immensely talented midfielder was sold for a combined total of almost 30million euros before he was 21 years old.

He emerged from the much-vaunted Sporting Lisbon youth set-up and was snapped up by Barcelona for 15million euros.

He struggled to settle at the Nou Camp, often playing second fiddle to international team-mate Luis Figo and in truth never really justified his hefty price tag. A move back to Portugal and Benfica saw his form return with a vengeance and he has now established himself as one of Europe's top talents.

His performances, pace and dazzling skills have attracted the interest of a number of top clubs, notably Liverpool.

After missing the last World Cup with a knee injury and featuring only sporadically at Euro 2004 in his home country, Simao will surely be even more determined to show the world his ability this summer, and will undoubtedly be one to watch.