Jorge Teixeira

Jorge Filipe Avelino Teixeira (born 27 August 1986) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Liga Portugal 2 club AVS Futebol SAD.

He spent most of his career abroad, mainly 170 games in the Belgian Pro League with Standard Liège and Sint-Truiden, while also winning the Swiss Cup with Zürich in 2014. Additionally, he had spells in Cyprus, Israel, Italy and England.

Early career
Born in Lisbon, Teixeira spent eight years in Sporting CP's youth system, but never appeared officially for its first team, being released in 2005 and spending his first two seasons as a senior in the third division, with Casa Pia A.C. and Odivelas FC, both hailing from the Lisboa Region. In 2007–08 he made his debut in the Segunda Liga, being relegated with C.D. Fátima.

Six teams in five countries
Teixeira split the 2008–09 campaign between two teams in Cyprus, suffering relegation with Atromitos Yeroskipou. In summer 2009 he signed for Maccabi Haifa F.C. and, the following year, joined FC Zürich of Switzerland, who paid a fee of $1.2 million to the Israeli side.

On 20 July 2010, Teixeira made his Super League debut with his new club, opening an eventual 3–2 away loss against FC Basel. In January 2013, he was loaned to Italy's A.C. Siena until June, starting in all his league appearances but being relegated from Serie A.

In May 2014, after helping Zürich to capture the Swiss Cup in a defeat of Basel, Teixeira joined Standard Liége on a three-year contract to be made effective on 30 June.

Charlton Athletic
On 19 January 2016, Teixeira moved teams and countries again, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee, under former Standard manager José Riga. His maiden appearance in the Championship occurred four days later, as he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw with Blackburn Rovers. He scored in home wins over Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, as his team suffered relegation.

Teixeira was close to a loan move to S.V. Zulte Waregem back in Belgium for 2016–17, but it collapsed due to his high salary and the signing of fellow defender Luca Marrone from Juventus FC. He missed the start of the League One season due to a hamstring injury, and on 14 January he was sent off at the end of a goalless draw against local rivals Millwall at The Valley. On 18 February, he came on as a second-half substitute and scored twice in a 3–3 draw at Rochdale, including the equaliser.

Sint-Truiden
On 15 July 2017, Teixeira joined Sint-Truidense V.V. on a three-year contract. He suffered a hip injury in September 2019, and did not return until February.

Teixeira added one more year to his contract in January 2021, and February 2022.

Later career
On 30 June 2023, Teixeira returned to his country's leagues for the first time in 15 years, signing with Liga Portugal 2 side AVS Futebol SAD. He was their first signing since the merger and relocation of U.D. Vilafranquense and C.D. Aves.

Honours
Zürich
 * Swiss Cup: 2013–14