Leonardo Filipe da Cruz Lelo (born 30 March 2000) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a left-back for club Almería, on loan from Primeira Liga club Braga.
Club career Olhanense Lelo was born in Olhão, Algarve, and finished his development in the academy of Olhanense. After starting his senior career with the club in the third division, he was loaned to Portimonense of Primeira Liga for the 2020–21 season, but only managed to appear for their under-23 side.
Casa Pia On 16 June 2021, Lelo signed a contract with Casa Pia of unspecified duration. He made his professional debut on 24 July, scoring in a 4–1 away win against Académico de Viseu in the first round of the Taça da Liga. His first appearance in the Liga Portugal 2 took place on 7 August against the same opponents, now in a 2–1 loss. He netted five times from 34 games in his debut campaign, helping to a return to the top division for the first time in 83 years; for his displays, he was included in the Team of the Year.
Lelo made his top-flight debut on 7 August 2022, missing a penalty in the tenth minute of a 0–0 draw away to Santa Clara. He scored his first goal also from the eleven-meter spot, helping to a 2–1 victory at Marítimo on 3 October.
Braga On 22 May 2025, Lelo joined Braga on a four-year deal with a €30 million buyout clause. He made 47 appearances in his first season while leading the team in assists, but was subsequently completely ostracised by manager Carlos Vicens.
On 1 September 2026, Lelo moved to Segunda División side Almería on a one-year loan.
International career Lelo represented Portugal at under-20 and under-21 levels. He earned his first cap for the latter on 24 September 2022, being booked as a second-half substitute in a 4–1 home friendly win over Georgia in Covilhã.
Career statistics
+Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueTaça de PortugalTaça da LigaEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsOlhanense2018–19Campeonato de Portugal32010——3302019–2024020——260Total56030——590Portimonense (loan)2020–21Primeira Liga000000—00Casa Pia2021–22Liga Portugal 23454121—4072022–23Primeira Liga2712020—3112023–243311040—3812024–253211000—331Total12688181—14210Braga2025–26Primeira Liga2904021120471Career Total211815110212024811
Honours Individual Liga Portugal 2 Team of the Season: 2021–22
References
External links