2011–12 Primeira Liga
The 2011–12 Primeira Liga (also known as Liga ZON Sagres for sponsorship reasons) was the 78th season of the Primeira Liga, the top professional league for Portuguese association football clubs. It began on 14 August 2011 and ended on 13 May 2012. A total of 16 teams contested the league, 14 of which already took part in the previous season and two of which were promoted from the Liga de Honra. Porto were the defending champions and secured their 26th and second consecutive league title. Óscar Cardozo and Lima, respectively Benfica's and Braga's strikers, were  the joint top scorers with 20 goals. Teams. Sixteen teams contested the league, fourteen of which already contested in the 2010–11 season and two of which were promoted from the 2010–11 Liga de Honra. The two teams relegated following the 2010–11 season were Portimonense, which returned to the Liga de Honra just a year after promotion, and Naval, returning to the second tier after a six-year stay. Replacing them in the top flight were Liga de Honra champions Gil Vicente, competing in their 14th Liga season after returning from a five-year absence, and Feirense, who were in the  top division for the fourth time and the first since the 1989–90 season. League table. <onlyinclude></onlyinclude> Awards. Annual awards. Portuguese Golden Ball. The Portuguese Golden Ball was given to James Rodríguez, the youngest player (21) to ever receive the award. LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year. The LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year was awarded to Hulk. He became the first player to win the award twice. LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year. The LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year was awarded to James Rodríguez. LPFP Primeira Liga Goalkeeper of the Year . The LPFP Primeira Liga Goalkeeper of the Year was awarded to Rui Patrício. LPFP Primeira Liga Manager of the Year. The LPFP Primeira Liga Coach of the Year was awarded to Vítor Pereira. LPFP Primeira Liga Fairplay Award. The LPFP Primeira Liga Fairplay Award was awarded to Rio Ave.