Nuno Santos (footballer, born 1978)

Nuno Filipe Oliveira Santos (born 9 July 1978) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper and current assistant coach of Chaves.

Playing career
Born in Coimbra, Baixo Mondego, Santos started his professional career with Sporting CP. Barred by the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Ricardo during his spell he only appeared once for the first team in the Primeira Liga, and was loaned to several clubs during his contract, including F.C. Penafiel in the Segunda Liga in the 2003–04 season.

After helping the northern side to return to the top flight, Santos had his loan extended until 30 June 2005. At the end of the campaign, which ended with an 11th position and the subsequent league status preservation, he agreed to a permanent deal.

Subsequently, Santos joined Vitória de Guimarães, battling for second-choice duties with Serginho as Brazilian Nilson was the undisputed starter. In 2009–10 he left for Vitória de Setúbal on a free transfer, and featured in 15 matches during the season – the other goalkeeper, Mário Felgueiras, played 14 – as the Sadinos barely avoided top-tier relegation.

In summer 2010, Santos initially signed with Portimonense S.C. for one year. However, shortly after, the deal fell through and the player joined Gil Vicente F.C. of division two, also in a one-year contract. He played the first game of the campaign, a 2–1 home win against C.D. Trofense, but was replaced by Vítor Murta in the tenth minute after suffering an injury.

Coaching career
After retiring in early 2015 at the age of 36, Santos joined his last club G.D. Ribeirão's staff as a goalkeeper coach. In the same capacity, he later worked with Gil Vicente's youths and Leixões SC.

Santos returned to Gil Vicente and their under-19 side ahead of 2017–18, but now as manager. He left the club on November 30, 2019, after accepting a goalkeeping coaching position at Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha, where his compatriot, Jorge Simão, was the club's manager.

Ahead of the 2020-21 season, Santos returned to Portugal, where he became assistant coach of Vitória Guimarães' B team under coach Moreno. When Moreno was promoted to coach the club's first team in July 2022, Santos followed his companion and took up a new position as assistant coach of Vitória Guimarães.

On 21 September 2023, Santos followed Moreno to Chaves, where he once again was hired as assistant coach.

Honours
Sporting CP
 * Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2002

Gil Vicente
 * Segunda Liga: 2010–11

Individual
 * Toulon Tournament Best Goalkeeper: 1997, 1998