António José Cardoso de Oliveira (born 9 October 1982), sometimes known as Toni, is a Portuguese footballmanager and former player who played as a central defender.
In July 2004, after a one-year spell at Braga B, Toni signed for Segunda Liga side Santa Clara. He made his professional debut on 18 September, coming on as a second-half substitute for Kali in a 1–3 away loss against Varzim
After being rarely used, Toni subsequently represented Casa Pia, Oriental and Fabril Barreiro, retiring with the latter in 2011 at the age of just 29.
In 2017, Oliveira rejoined his father's staff, now at Kazma.[4] Both left the club in 2019.
In December 2019, Oliveira became Jesualdo Ferreira's assistant at Santos of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.[5] He was offered to stay at the club after being acting as head coach of the under-23 squad, but left with Jesualdo nonetheless.
On 13 March 2021, Oliveira was named coach of Athletico's first team, with Bruno Lazaroni taking his previous role.[8] He resigned on 9 September,[9] after six winless matches.
Benfica B
On 5 January 2022, Oliveira was appointed manager of Benfica B, until the end of the 2021–22 season.[10] He left the side in May, as his contract would not be renewed.[11]
Cuiabá
On 2 June 2022, Oliveira agreed to return to Brazil, and was named head coach of Cuiabá in the top tier.[12] He left the club at the end of the season, after not renewing his contract.
Coritiba
On 13 December 2022, Oliveira took over fellow top tier side Coritiba.[13] He was dismissed by Coxa on 18 April 2023, after a poor campaign in the 2023 Campeonato Paranaense and a 3–0 loss to Flamengo in the league opener.[14]
On 9 February 2024, Cuiabá announced that Oliveira had left the club to join Corinthians, as his new side paid a R$ 1.04 million release clause.[17] He was sacked on 2 July, after a 2–0 loss to rivals Palmeiras.[18]
Personal life
Oliveira's father, also named António, was also a footballer.[1][19] A midfielder, he had his career mainly associated to Benfica. His son, also António, was also a midfielder, but only played youth football and notably represented Casa Pia.
