Jorge Cadete, a native of Portugal, was well-respected for his captivating performances on the football pitch. Born on 27 August 1968, Cadete held an impressive stature, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.8m) and weighing a solid 11 stone 6 pounds (73kg). Primarily a forward, he delivered stints that left an indelible mark in the annals of football history.
His football journey kicked off in July 1987 when Cadete joined Sporting CP in Portugal's Liga Portugal as a trainee. With time and experience, he began to make seismic waves in the field, enjoying an astounding upwards trajectory in his career. His goal tally remained consistently impressive throughout his seasons at Sporting CP, scoring a whopping 18 goals during the 1992 - 1993 season.
In July 1988, Cadete took on a new challenge, transferring from Sporting CP to Vitória Setúbal in the Segunda Divisão on a loan spell. He showed promise, having scored eight goals from 29 first team appearances. His stint in Italy was equally noteworthy; whilst on loan at Brescia he proved his worth with 13 first team appearances and a goal in the Serie B league.
However, it was his transfer to Celtic FC in Scotland in March 1996 that witnessed the zenith of his prowess. Cadete arrived at Celtic for a fee of around £400,000, making a dazzling debut by scoring five goals in his first six league appearances. His second season underscored his immense talent as he conquered the pitch, scoring 25 goals from 31 first team appearances. This not only cemented a high standing amongst Celtic fans but also validated his heralding as a true 'Celtic hero'.
Post-Celtic, Cadete transferred to Celta Vigo in LaLiga, Spain for a hefty fee of around £3.5m in August 1997. He continued to demonstrate essential goalscoring instincts, delivering seven goals in his first season. His career rolled on from there to Benfica, Bradford City, and Estrela Amadora before hanging up his boots at Partick Thistle in Scotland in 2004.
All in all, Jorge Cadete remains a well-cherished figure in football, particularly in Celtic's rich history, leaving behind a legacy marked by deftness, skill, and dazzling performances.
