Sporting CP’s 2001–03 period was a rollercoaster stretch — one season of triumph followed by one of disappointment.
In 2001/02, under László Bölöni, Sporting enjoyed a magnificent campaign, winning the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal to complete a historic domestic double — their first league title since 1999/2000. The team was driven by the brilliance of Mário Jardel, who scored an incredible 42 league goals, alongside João Pinto, Pedro Barbosa, and a young Cristiano Ronaldo beginning to break through.
However, in 2002/03, Sporting struggled to maintain that level. Despite Jardel remaining prolific early on, off-field problems and inconsistency saw them finish third in the league and exit Europe early.
The 2001–03 period thus blended Sporting’s highest modern triumph with the early signs of transition that followed.