Helio Pinto

Helio Jose Ribeiro Pinto (born 29 February 1984) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Louletano D.C. as a central midfielder.

A youth product of Benfica, he spent most of his career with APOEL in Cyprus, appearing in more than 275 competitive matches and winning eight major titles.

Club Career

Pinto was born in Portimao, Algarve, in Portugal. A product of S.L. Benfica's youth system, he could never break into the first team, only managing a couple of preseason appearances under Jose Antonio Camacho; his next stop was in Spain with Sevilla FC, where he incidentally also only played with the reserves.

Still owned by Sevilla, Pinto played the 2005–06 season in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol. Being released in the following summer, his career settled with another team in the country, APOEL FC.

During his spell with APOEL, Pinto was an important member as the club won the Cypriot First Division on four occasions, adding amongst other trophies the domestic cup in 2007–08. He also appeared in all six group stage games of the side, in their first UEFA Champions League participation.

Pinto played in eight matches in the 2011–12 Champions League, as the Nicosia-based side surprisingly reached the quarter-finals of the competition. On 5 June 2013 he signed a three-year contract extension with the club but, late into the month, announced he was leaving after seven successful years.

On 21 June 2013, Pinto signed a two-year contract (with an option for another season) with Legia Warsaw from Poland. He was released two years later, moving to the Qatar Stars League with Al-Mesaimeer Sports Club shortly after.

On 2 February 2016, Pinto returned to Cyprus and joined Anorthosis Famagusta FC. The following 28 January, he signed with Greek club Trikala F.C. from Norway's Kongsvinger IL Toppfotball.

Following a stint with Indian Super League franchise NorthEast United FC, Pinto returned to Portugal after 14 years and agreed to a contract at third level clu