Thierry Correia, Luís Maximiano, Rafael Leão and Miguel Luís donate their Portugal shirts to the Alvalade museum

Miguel Luís, Rafael Leão, Thierry Correia and Luís Maximiano and the rest of the Sporting CP youth team were at the Sporting Museum this week, for the four to donate their European Championship winning shirts. Accompanying the group was president Bruno de Carvalho and scouting legend Aurélio Pereira.

The players were understandably pleased with the initiative, having earned their place in the Sporting Museum before even reaching the senior squad. "It is an hour to be part of this club. I know that in 100 or even 200 years my shirt will still be here and I couldn't be happier. Hopefully I will be somebody that other players look up to in the future, like I do with the players", said Luís Maximiano, followed in the same tone by Thierry Correia: "I feel really proud. I wasn't expecting this and I really don't know what to say. I want to carry on with the club and to come back with even more trophies."

Rafael Leão also had a big smile on his face, affirming: "I am really happy. This is a huge honour for us and motivates us to carry on putting the work in. I want to win a lot more titles here, starting with the national under-19 title." Last but not least, Miguel Luís highlighted the importance of the initiative: "It is an honour for us. To come here with the president is an honour. I don't feel nervous on the pitch anymore, but I did feel a bit here today."

Sporting CP under-19 coach Tiago Fernandes was also on hand to share his thoughts. "I have been with the lads for six years now, directly or indirectly. They are really strong mentally and they all really to keep on learning. This is the cherry on the top of the cake for what they have achieved", said Fernandes, backed up by Alvalade coaching legend, Aurélio Pereira.

Five Alvalade youngsters called up by Hélio Sousa for Euro 2017 Elite Round preparation

Sporting CP once again dominates the national team selection, this time with five players in the under-19 squad list for a training camp ahead of the Euro 2017 Elite Round, being played from the 23rd to thr 28th of March.

The Alvalade five are: Abdu Conté, Bruno Paz, Miguel Luís, Pedro Marques and Rafael Leão. 

Luís Maximiano, Thierry Correia, Miguel Luís and Rafael Leão all featured for Portugal

Portugal is the new European under-17 champion, after beating Spain 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

A total of four Alvalade youngsters featured in the Portuguese squad. Luís Maximiano and defender Thierry Correia featured on the bench for the final, while the midfielder Miguel Luís was introduced after 55 minutes and the forward Rafael Leão after 79 minutes.

The 80 minutes of regulation play were well balanced between the two Iberian outfits. Portugal struck first, courtesy of Diogo Dalot in the 27th minute. However, the advantage didn't last and the Spanish drew level five minutes later. The decisive penalty was taken by Morlanes, who turned his shot against the crossbar.

Portugal gearing up for European Championship

A total of five Sporting players will feature in the preliminary under-17 Portuguese squad for a coming training camp.

Goalkeeper Luís Maximiano, defenders João Oliveira and Thierry Correia, midfielder Miguel Luís and Rafael Leão are the five who will be under the command of coach Sousa on the 25th of April to the 1st of May.

Portugal will tak part in Group A of this year's European Championships, along with Azerbeijan, Scotland and Belgium.

Rafael Leão

Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol SAD has reached an agreement with the athlete Rafael Leão for the renewal of his contact until 2018, with a buy-out clause of €45,000,000.00.

Sporting SAD wishes Rafael Leão the best of professional and personal success.

After putting pen to paper, the 16-year old forward proved satisfied with the opportunity: “I feel really happy and proud right now. It is thanks to my coach, teammates and especially my dad. It is a special feeling, because I have been here for seven years now and I want to carry on. Seven years later, I feel tougher and I take things more seriously. Everything is changing and I am getting older. I am really happy and I love playing football.” ​

Under-17's put five past San Marino

The national under-17 football team has secured a place in the European Championships Elite Round, after putting five past San Marino.

Alvalade youngsters João Oliveira, Miguel Luís, Leandro Tipote and Rafael all featured in the starting line-up. Miguel Luís (8’) and Leandro Tipote (10’) were the first to strike, before João Filipe (60’ and 80+3’) and José Gomes (80’) secured a comfortable win.