Zequinha

Zequinha Biography

Jose Egas dos Santos Branco, known as Zequinha, is a Portuguese professional football player who plays as a forward for Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League. He was born on 7 January 1987 in Setubal, Portugal.

The winger can play on both the flanks but is primarily positioned on the left. He can also play as a striker and an attacking midfielder. Zequinha has made 260 appearances and has scored 32 goals with 16 assists.

Youth and Professional Career

Zequinha began his career with FC Porto’s youth system but failed to shine, subsequently getting loaned to lower leagues and appearing for G.D. Tourizense, F.C. Penafiel, Gondomar S.C. and Gil Vicente FC. He played fairly well in the 2nd and 3rd divisions.

Branco was selected in the squad for the 2007 U20 FIFA World Cup while he was playing for Tourizense. He started in all the matches but Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing 1-0 to chile.

After his contract expired, Zequinha joined Portuguese club S.C. Olhanense in 2009 on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract. He made his debut on 16 August 2009, in a 0–0 away draw against Associacao Naval 1º de Maio in the Primeira Liga.

Branco signed with second division greece club AEL 1964 FC in july 2011 and stayed with them for two years. He was then signed by tier 1 club Panthrakikos FC, playing in the Superleague. He played for a couple of seasons and stayed at the club till 7 January 2014.

Zequinha signed with his very first club Vitória F.C. on 10 January 2014 and renewed his contract for three years in December 2014. He was loaned to Arouca and C.D. Nacional over the next couple of seasons.

Zequinha joined Indian Super League franchise Atlético de Kolkata from C.D. Nacional On 11 August 2017. Playing as a forward, he has made 11 appearances and has scored twice for the team.

Jose has represented the Portugal U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 teams. He has 33 appearances and six goals from the competition.