[1] This was mainly due to issues in their attacking line, including an Mário Jardel injury in January.

[2][3] In Europe the team was eliminated early; in August the side was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League Qualifying round by Inter Milan.

After that, in September Serbian club Partizan FK defeated Sporting in the UEFA Cup first round.

At the end of the season 18-yr-old midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo left the club to be transferred to Manchester United.

[4][5] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.