Sebastián Coates: El Patrón
May 15th 2018. An insignificant day for many, yet the darkest in the rich history of Sporting Clube de Portugal, while significant in marking the legacy of Sebastián Coates, affectionately referred to as “El Patrón” or “Seba” by many Sportinguistas.
On this day, a mob of 50 disgruntled vandals launched a brutal attack on players and coaching staff, invading the infamous Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete. Armed with belts, fists, and sticks, their intent was to inflict serious harm on representatives of one of Portugal’s premier football clubs, in an unprecedented barbaric episode that the soap opera of Portuguese football can often resemble.
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In the aftermath, the mass exodus. Beloved figures who had given their all to Sporting, growing from boys to men in Alcochete, left amidst the turmoil that endangered the well-being of Os Leões. Rui Patricio, William Carvalho, Rafael Leão, Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence, and Bruno Fernandes (who would later reverse his decision and return under new management) were among those who exited.
Sebastián Coates Nion chose to stay. A Uruguayan defender who had been with Sporting for merely two years, stepped into the leadership void, understanding and embodying everything that Sporting Clube de Portugal truly represents. Arriving as a seemingly dispensable figure from the Premier League, Coates left as a legend with an indelible legacy. Eight years of unwavering dedication, even recognized by the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas.
Momento da tarde 🤣 quando me cruzar com o Coates vou chamá-lo assim 💚pic.twitter.com/otKru0jw9a
— 3 Gerações (@GeracoesSusp) May 20, 2024
In the midst of chaos, Coates instilled calm and fulfilled the legacy that seemed destined for Rui Patricio. A born leader, Coates began his career at Nacional in Montevideo, captaining at every level from the age of 11.
A man who despite his nonchalant, reserved, chivalrous and respectable demeanor, is not unfamiliar to tumultuous adversity.
A man who participated in only 39 matches from 2011 to 2016 representing Premier League staples Sunderland and Liverpool. The highlight being executing an exquisite scissor kick to perfection in a loss to Queen Park Rangers (his one and only goal for the club).
A man who conceded three penalties and was sent off as Sporting were defeated by Rio Ave, all three fouls committed against Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi, who would eventually be snatched away from Vila do Conde by Futebol Clube do Porto.
A man far from adored by Gus Poyet from his time at Sunderland.
Sebastián Coates made over 25 international appearances for Uruguay at youth level, before making his full international debut against Chile in the 2011 Copa América. His performances cemented his indispensability, culminating in being named the tournament’s best young player. Coates went on to earn over 50 caps for his country, often overshadowed by the iconic Atlético Madrid duo, Diego Godín and José María Giménez.
Departing the comfort of Uruguay stripped Seba of his importance. After difficulties in England (perhaps his Scottish heritage shining through), Portugal offered him a home away from home, where he became an invaluable member of a competitive squad.
Since joining Sporting mid-season in 2016, Coates has featured in various defensive setups, from four-man to five-man defenses and higher and lower defensive blocks alongside veterans like Jérémy Mathieu and Luís Neto, and promising talents like Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, and Ousmane Diomandé. Throughout, Coates evolved into the undisputed leader and organizer, personifying the era of stability his club transitioned into.
However, Coates’ physical attributes can be problematic. He is reliant on millimetric interventions and dependent on his excellent anticipation to avoid isolated defensive situations and neutralize threats in premature phases. Coates is far from the most mobile defender and often needs protection from 1v1 situations.
As the central figure in an adaptable three-man defensive line, these deficiencies are mitigated by the presence of athletic, wide-covering defenders like Ousmane Diomandé and notably Jeremiah St. Juste.
However, in terms of box defending, stepping out of the defensive line, man-marking and aerial superiority, Coates is almost impeccable, exuding absolute tranquility and leading by example. Coates averages six progressive passes and completes more than 75% of his frequent long pass attempts, demonstrating reliability and competence with his vertical play.
‘Canto? Golo do Coates’ (Corner? Coates goal) became an iconic phrase regarding El Patrón. In moments of desperation, Coates often produced as a makeshift forward, imitating the most prolific of forwards. Porto. Tondela. Santa Clara. Gil Vicente, twice. Pivotal goals in defining moments.
O defesa mais goleador da história do #SportingCP 🦁
Revê alguns dos 3️⃣7️⃣ golos de @sebastiancoates 💚 #ObrigadoCoates pic.twitter.com/Mp0Mi71n0r
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) July 6, 2024
Not every defender contributes to over 70 career goals, including seasons with more than five goals scored. Not every Sporting Clube de Portugal player leaves the club having won eight trophies, including two league titles.
No foreigner has played more matches for Sporting. In fact, only three foreigners make the top 50 for most appearances. The Uruguyan will now return to his boyhood club as an icon with Sportinguistas bidding farewell to El Patrón at the Troféu Cinco Violinos, a competition hosted by Sporting in pre-season to pay homage to iconic club legends who formed one of the most prolific attacks of their era.
A somewhat premature and unexpected departure due to family concerns, but one that Sporting facilitated in honor of his service, was inevitable. With the exits of talisman Paulinho, ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adán, and veteran Luís Neto, Sporting enters a new era without players over 30 years old.
El Patrón is likely to make his comeback against São Paulo in August, in an intense, enthralling Copa Libertadores fixture. He will be missed in Portugal as a respected figure by all.
By: Kevin Araujo Fernandes / @kevinaraujof
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Carlos Rodrigues / Getty Images