Real Madrid

Fabio Coentrao is Real Madrid's fifth signing for the 2011/12 campaign. His excellent run at Benfica, with whom he won the league and Cup of Portugal titles, and his regularity as a starter for the Portuguese national team have clinched the player a deal with the Spanish club. The left back is solid in attack, has excellent dribbling skills, has a powerful shot and is extremely varsatile, whic allows him to play in any winger position.

Coentrao was born on 11 March 1988 in Vila do Conde. The first important team he played for was Rio Ave, with whom he made his First Division debut when he was just 16. His excellent performances caught Benfica's attention, who decided to sign him in 2007 and loaned him out to Nacional, notching 16 appearances and 4 goals.

Coentrao returned to Rio Ave after a brief spell with Spanish side Zaragoza. His good run in the 2008/09 campaign secured his return to Benfica, with whom he truly blossomed and won his first titles, such as the 2009/10 edition of the league and the 2010/11 Cup of Portugal.

Coentrao first played for his country on the youth national teams, making his first team debut in 2009 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He's since become a regular starter with Portugal, making a total 15 appearances for his country, four of which were in the 2010 World Cup.