Dom Francisco de Almeida (also known as "the Great Dom Francisco" (ca.

1450 – March 1, 1510), is a Portuguese nobleman, soldier and explorer.

He distinguishes himself as a counselor to King John II of Portugal and later in the wars against the Moors and in the conquest of Granada in 1492.

In 1503 he is appointed as the first governor and viceroy of the Portuguese State of India (Estado da Índia).

His son Lourenço de Almeida is killed in the Battle of Chaul in 1508.

Dom Francisco is credited with establishing Portuguese hegemony in the Indian Ocean, with his victory at the naval Battle of Diu in 1509.

Before Almeida can return to Portugal, he loses his life in 1510.