The Uruguayan winger gets back on the pace

After a great first season at Sporting CP, Maxi Araújo was one of the internationals who returned to preseason training this past Monday. With the 2025/2026 campaign on the horizon, this will be his first full summer at the club, as he only joined at the end of August last year.

"It was important for me to have my first preseason here. Although we've only just returned, I'm really enjoying it. When I arrived, the team welcomed me very quickly and, as a result, I adapted fast", recalled the 25-year-old Uruguayan, who used the recent summer break to be close to his family.

"I spent many years playing in Mexico, and now I've had my first campaign here, and my family are very happy and proud of what I've achieved. They're far away, but always close to me, and that's the most important thing. Every time I go to Uruguay, I try to make the most of my time with them. Fortunately, nowadays you can also make a video call and see them there", he noted.

As for the workouts in Portugal so far, he revealed that "The first training sessions are always a bit tough, because, despite having kept in shape and recharged my batteries with my family, when we return to training with our teammates it is always a bit difficult. But I'm fine, we're working well, and that's why I'm very happy".

"I think the young players are really enjoying it. There's a lot of quality in Sporting CP's youth academy and in the B team. Last season, a lot of young players came through and stayed in the first team squad, and now they're doing really well in preseason. We always try to make them feel comfortable and compete on equal terms with any other player, because we've all been in their position. They just have to seize the opportunity and show the coach they want to stay here", he emphasised.

Asked about the aims for the upcoming season, he stated that "What's expected of Sporting CP is always to fight for every title and always be at the top. I'd never played in a final before last year, and the first one [in the Taça da Liga] we lost on penalties, but I knew we'd have many more after that, because we have an incredible team, with incredible players. That's why the club have to always be in finals. We were fortunate enough to end the year with two incredible victories", recalled the winger.

2025/2026 begins with a trophy at stake, in the Supertaça against SL Benfica on July 31st. "Everyone wants to prepare well for this type of game. We'll arrive in great shape as a team because we're working towards that. We have very good preparation work ahead of us and I think we'll arrive in good shape for a game that we're going to try to win".

As well as a training camp in the Algarve, Sporting CP also play Celtic FC (July 16th) and Sunderland (July 21st) in preparation games. "It's important that the follow us from now on, because we know that our fans fill any venue where we play. We look forward to seeing them in the Algarve, because it will be great to start the season with these friendlies and with the fans in attendance, as always", he concluded.

The goalkeeper speaks in preseason training

A reinforcement for the squad in the winter transfer window back in January, Rui Silva needed little time to become a valuable asset to Sporting CP. The goalkeeper integrated well with the dressing room and on the pitch, helping his side to a league and cup double.

Now in his first preseason at the club, he is ready to achieve further success in 2025/26. "It was an intense season last time out, in which we achieved our goals. It's great to be back with my teammates, preparing for the new season in the best way possible", he said on Wednesday.

At the end of the season, Rui Silva was part of the Portuguese national team which won the UEFA Nations League, before enjoying a well-deserved break. "It's essential to spend time with my family; we spend a lot of time away from them. It's important to dedicate this time to our children, to practice other sports, to clear our minds. But, of course, by the third week of the summer break we're already itching to get back to doing what we love most", he acknowledged.

"Last season was the most special of my career. Until now, I'd only won one trophy: The Copa del Rey in Spain. Winning three trophies in these five months was very gratifying. I'm very proud. It was an incredible year for me personally", he shared.

"Now, I'm preparing as best I can, like the whole team. We want to put on a great show for the Sporting CP fans on July 31st by winning another trophy", he said, referring to the Super Taça Cândido de Oliveira, which pits Sporting CP against SL Benfica.

Silva is aware that there is plenty of expectation, and hopes to make good on it. "The demands have increased. We have a lot of new faces and young players who want to succeed and be in the first team. It's a privilege for them, and they have to work hard to help us", he commented.

"We're two-time champions, and that brings with it an added responsibility. We have to keep our feet on the ground and have a strong sense of duty. We know what lies ahead".

The training camp in Lagos is approaching and, with it, the first friendlies that are open to fans. "Our fans' support is unconditional," said Silva. "I know they're also eager to watch football again. I hope they come to the Estadio do Algarve to support us, because we have a final to play soon".

The defender talks about the first day back in training

Back to work at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo alongside his Sporting CP teammates, Iván Fresneda is fully focused on the challenges ahead.

"I really enjoy going on holiday and spending time with family and friends, but I've never stopped thinking about coming back here to make more history with Sporting CP," the player began by saying after the first training session since the summer break.

"The first few days are always the hardest, and we have to adapt to it, but it's going very well. The team seem confident about what lies ahead," added the fullback.

The Spain Under-21 international believes that this summer will be a valuable preparation for coach Rui Borges and the team, stating that "It's very good for him and even more so for us, because we can take the opportunity to do everything right from the start, as the coach and the coaching staff want."

Entering his third season at the club, Fresneda looks back with pride on his time in Portugal so far.

"When I arrived two years ago, I felt like this team was a family. Players have come and gone since I've been here, but the core has remained the same. Everyone who comes up from the academy or the B team feels comfortable, because they are welcomed, from the most experienced players to the youngest. I've never seen such a good team."

"I still receive advice from those who have been here longer and have already achieved a lot, but it's true that, after two seasons and with the trophies we've already won, I can also pass on something to others," he revealed.

Fresneda also emphasised that the team want to win a third straight league title, as well as other ambitions.

"The responsibility we have, just for representing Sporting CP, is already immense. It will be more difficult this year, but we will fight for everything we can, because that's what this club and the history of this entity demand," he added.

The training camp in the Algarve will be the next step in preparations for the new season, and the Spaniard made an appeal to the fans.

"The team are already really looking forward to playing these games, to seeing the Sporting CP fans. I invite everyone to come and watch the matches. We've been without them for over a month now, and we really need their support. I believe many of them will be there."

"There will be time to think about the Super Taça later, but it all starts now, with daily work and focus in each training session," he concluded.

The midfielder arrives as the latest summer reinforcement

Sporting CP have signed midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili on a contract through to 2030, with an 80 million euros buyout clause.

The Georgian, who has represented his country at senior level since 2023, joins from Spanish side Levante UD, with whom he achieved promotion as winners of the Spanish Segunda División this past season. Previously, he has also turned out for Girona FC, CF Peralada and CD Castellón in Spain, since arriving in 2017.

The 26-year-old was presented on Sunday, with club president Frederico Varandas. Kochorashvili began talking about Captain America, the superhero who serves as the inspiration for his goal celebration.

"In the story of Captain America, people said that he was weak, that he wasn't ready. Then, he transformed himself and saved the world, helping people. When I do my celebration, it's for all the children who are told that they're not ready for challenges. What I tell them is that if I can do it -and if Captain America can do it- then they can too. You have to believe, work hard and have discipline," he said of his identification with the comic book hero.

At Sporting CP, Kochorashvili will have the opportunity to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League, which he sees as "every child's dream."

"When I was younger, I dreamed of one day being able to play in that competition. My parents wouldn't let me watch the UEFA Champions League games because it was too late and I needed to sleep, but now I'm making a dream come true. I just want to help, because the team is the most important thing. I know I can contribute, both on and off the pitch."

Of his arrival and opening days of training, the midfielder stated that "All of my teammates have welcomed me very well, as if I were a brother or a son. When you come to a new home, you feel different, but within a day or two they have made me feel like one of them," he revealed.

"I already knew that Sporting CP were a big club, because of the huge fanbase they have. I can't wait to get out onto the pitch and celebrate with the fans."

"Of course, we will have difficulties, but I know that if we stick together, we can continue what has been done before. I will work to demonstrate that I am worthy of wearing this shirt, which is the most important thing," he added.

"I want to improve every year, especially in terms of the details. I give everything in defence and attack, try to control the pace of the game and get into the box," he explained.

"We all like to score goals, but the most important thing is to help my teammates wherever they need it. If a full-back or winger needs me to cover for them, I'll be there. I want to be a player who adds value to my teammates. The words I like most are 'perseverance' and 'resilience.' We'll have difficulties, but I'll work hard every day to overcome them," he promised.

Finally, Kochorashvili left a message to Sporting CP fans: "Let's enjoy this a lot. Let's fight hard and keep our confidence. The most important thing in our lives is to enjoy what we do. Let's do our part and I believe it will be very beautiful."

The 2025/26 Liga Portugal calendar has been released

The schedule for the 2025/26 Liga Portugal season was released to the public on Friday, in an event which took place in the recently opened Arena Liga Portugal, in Porto.

The ceremony featured a tribute to the late Diogo Jota and André Silva.

Reigning champions Sporting Clube de Portugal will begin their title defence away from home against Casa Pia AC, on the weekend of August 9-10th.

On Matchday 2, they host FC Arouca, followed by a trip to face CD Nacional.

The first 'Clássico' of the season is scheduled for the following matchday, at home to FC Porto, and on Matchday 23 they play SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz.

Sporting CP's season officially begins on July 31st, with the Super Taça Cândido de Oliveira against SL Benfica at the Estádio Algarve.

Liga Portugal also announced that the final four of the Taça da Liga will take place once again in Leiria, between January 6-10th, 2026. Sporting CP host FC Alverca in the quarterfinals of the competition.

SPORTING CP'S LIGA PORTUGAL SCHEDULE FOR 2025/26:
MD1/18 (10/08 - 18/01): Casa Pia AC vs. Sporting CP
MD2/19 (17/08 - 25/01): Sporting CP vs. FC Arouca
MD3/20 (24/08 - 01/02): CD Nacional vs. Sporting CP
MD4/21 (31/08 - 08/02): Sporting CP vs. FC Porto
MD5/22 (14/09 - 15/02): FC Famalicao vs. Sporting CP
MD6/23 (21/09 - 22/02): Sporting CP vs. Moreirense FC
MD7/24 (28/09 - 01/03): GD Estoril Praia vs. Sporting CP
MD8/25 (05/10 - 08/03): Sporting CP vs. SC Braga
MD9/26 (26/10 - 15/03): CD Tondela vs. Sporting CP
MD10/27 (02/11 - 22/03): Sporting CP vs. FC Alverca
MD11/28 (10/11 - 04/04): CD Santa Clara vs. Sporting CP
MD12/29 (01/12 - 12/04): Sporting CP vs. CF Estrela da Amadora
MD13/30 (08/12 - 19/04): SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP
MD14/31 (15/12 - 26/04): Sporting CP vs. AFS
MD15/32 (22/12 - 03/05): Vitoria SC vs. Sporting CP
MD16/33 (29/12 - 10/05): Sporting CP vs. Rio Ave FC
MD17/34 (05/01 - 17/05): Gil Vicente FC vs. Sporting CP

The players came back from their summer break on Tuesday

On Tuesday, July 1st, the first team and B team squads both returned to work after the summer break.

At the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP kicked off preparations for 2025/26 with the customary fitness tests and medical examinations during the morning, both in the gym and on the pitch. In the afternoon, Rui Borges led the first preseason training session in very hot weather.

25 players were present: Diego Calai, Francisco Silva, Ousmane Diomande, Bruno Ramos, Ivan Fresneda, Diogo Travassos, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Jeremiah St Juste, David Moreira, Ricardo Esgaio, João Simões, Daniel Braganca, Hidemasa Morita, Eduardo Felicíssimo, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Manuel Mendonca, Rayan Lucas, Nuno Santos, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Lucas Anjos, Mauro Couto, Biel, Geny Catamo and Alisson Santos.

Those who have been away with their respective national teams will report to training at a later date.

The winger joins the club on a 5-year deal

Alisson Santos has joined Sporting Clube de Portugal through to 2030, on a contract with a buyout clause of 80 million euros.

Having played in the academy at EC Vitória, in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the 22-year-old winger reached the club's first team, also turning out for Clube Náutico Capibaribe and Figueirense FC on loan. In 2024/25 he was loaned out to UD Leiria in Portugal, for whom he scored six goals in 18 games.

His presentation for Sporting CP took place between the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo and Lisbon's Castelo São Jorge. Santos spoke of being "very happy to wear the Sporting CP shirt."

"It's a dream come true for me and I hope to make the most of the opportunity, do my best and help the club," he told the Leoninos media.

Having worked with the team for a few months already, the Brazilian explained that "it was like a movie playing in my head when I went to Alcochete or Alvalade for the first time. It made me realise that I was achieving something very big in my career."

"Everything has been wonderful and the group have welcomed me. Seeing the team become league champions was very good for me too. I hope to help the group so that things continue like this. The coach and the players have always tried to help me and I enjoyed it a lot -even knowing that I couldn't play yet," he said.
Santos revealed that his early days in Portugal were full of obstacles to be overcome.

"At first it was a bit difficult because it was the first time I had left Brazil, but I had people who helped me adapt here. My mother was the main person who gave me the strength to continue pursuing my dream. I was strong, I looked forward and kept fighting. I performed well at UD Leiria and coming here is a dream come true. Looking back and seeing everything I went through for me to get to Sporting CP makes me feel fulfilled," he explained.

The pacey winger believes he has already evolved since arriving at Sporting CP.

"Everyone has helped me a lot, but especially Matheus Reis, who has always talked to me after training. I'm really looking forward to playing. I believe it will be a great preseason for everyone and we're going to work hard. As for the season itself, playing in the UEFA Champions League is a dream for every player. I'm going to work hard to be able to play in that competition."

Finally, Santos gave a message to supporters of Sporting CP.

"What Sporting CP fans can expect from me is a lot of determination and desire to win. I've seen that everyone has this desire and you end up drawing on that. I hope to bring a lot of joy to everyone."

The team will play Celtic FC and Sunderland AFC this July

Sporting CP fans can now buy tickets for the two preseason friendlies that the team will play in July at the Estádio do Algarve, during their summer training camp.

With prices ranging between €20 and €30, tickets can be purchased through the MEO Blueticket platform.

July 16th (7:30 p.m.)
Sporting CP vs. Celtic FC
Tickets for this game are on sale here.

July 21st (8:00 p.m.)
Sporting CP vs. Sunderland AFC
Tickets for this game are on sale here.

Statements after winning the Taça de Portugal

After the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Taça de Portugal final against SL Benfica, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference at Jamor.

Obstacles overcome during the season
"Difficulties exist, but I just don't get attached to them. It all depends on how we look at them and take advantage of them to seize opportunities. We worked hard and made the players believe they were league champions. They didn't lose their quality and they didn't stop being the best. When one player didn't play, another played. It's part of life and I look back at my life with great happiness and gratitude for what it gives me every day."

Analysis of the game
"It was a competitive game, like all the others we've had against these opponents. At times we were the better side, at others they were. We started well in the first half, then we let SL Benfica believe and Rui Silva made a great save. The game balanced out and, in the second half, we wanted to be stronger in the duels, where we were being a bit soft. SL Benfica had a different strategy than usual and overcame our initial formation. We didn't start so well in the second half and were a bit lost for five minutes after their goal. Naturally, SL Benfica tried to hold onto the result. It's natural, as it's the final."

The fairness of the result
"It was 1-3 and the result speaks for itself. It's very fair."

The masterclass by Viktor Gyökeres
"Those who are watching from the outside have to understand that Viktor won't always be at his best. He had to be more patient at times to have fewer chances -but better ones. At any moment he can solve the problem and he got the equaliser. Not all actions will be great ones, and he has to make a difference from the few that he has. He has given a lot to the team and he did it again today, but the team also give a lot to Viktor. Today Sporting CP won. Viktor won and others, like David Moreira, who deserves it a lot, did too."

Ivan Fresneda and Matheus Reis
"They have already been training in that position that they played in. It makes the game different because we were losing and instead of creating imbalances with just Maxi Araújo or Geovany Quenda, we could create them with more players. Matheus and Ivan went through the channel more, we took a few more risks and we tried to create that dynamic."

Francisco Trincão
"His performance made me very proud. After working with the players, we have different feelings about them. Trincão has always been a great player and he deserves it. I told him to decide the game, because he deserves recognition in big games and finals. Throughout all the problems we went through, he never told me he was tired. He broke his hand and still played. I never saw him sad, I always saw him switched on. He is a very intelligent player. He is one of the best players in terms of his tactical reading of the game. Technically, he is above your average player and he is managing to combine this with the competitive side. I have no doubt that he will have a fantastic future."

Next season and the spirit at Sporting CP
"It's the same intention now: Make them believe that they are two-time champions. A difficult season is coming, but we want to rest. These past few months have been difficult and we need to make the most of the rest. Next season will be very difficult, but we all know that we are at a great club. We have a great family spirit at Sporting CP and I would like to say a few words to our fans. They have been fantastic and have the same spirit and confidence as we do. Today, we saw that the fans really believed that we were going to win, and that was passed on to our players. It's an achievement for everyone. We are all part of the Sporting CP family. This spirit is increasingly cemented at the club and long may it continue to be so."

Reviewing the season
"I couldn't ask for more. Only if we won the Taça da Liga, but we competed in that final too. We really wanted to be in the finals. We have always been there and we can only be proud. More than the results, our work has always spoken for us and will continue to do so. Nothing was gifted to me; I never won anything at other clubs. I came to Sporting CP because they saw us as a competent coaching team, with good ideas, and good people. That is what makes me most proud. I am sure that I am a good person because I had a very good upbringing. I want to send a kiss to my parents, who were here today and I am very happy to dedicate the victory to them. Since we've been here, we've taken this path together. We had to take decisions, which is part of the job, and we have always stuck together for Sporting CP. I want to give recognition to the medical team, which is clearly the best around and who do not do anything randomly. They deserve recognition from me because they were bombarded with doubts from people. They were very important in our achievements."

Sporting CP beat SL Benfica 1-3 in extra time at Jamor

Sporting Clube de Portugal won the Taça de Portugal for the first time in six years at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor, defeating SL Benfica 1-3 after extra time in the final. It rounded off the first league and cup double for the team since 2001/02.

The goals came in stoppage time, with a penalty from Viktor Gyökeres, then in extra time by Conrad Harder (99’) and Francisco Trincão (120+1’).

In the final game of the season, at a packed Estádio Nacional split by the colours of two eternal rivals from Lisbon – something that had not been seen in the final since 1995/96-, Sporting CP presented a starting eleven with two changes: Jeremiah St. Juste took over the central role in the central defensive trio – in place of the injured Ousmane Diomande – and captain Morten Hjulmand returned from suspension to replace Hidemasa Morita.

SL Benfica had the first shot of the game, through Orkun Kökçü from outside the area, met with a safe save by Rui Silva. Sporting CP responded quickly and only two well-timed tackles inside the area prevented Geny Catamo and, subsequently, Gonçalo Inácio, from scoring.

After the first ten minutes, referee Luís Godinho  awarded a penalty in favor of SL Benfica, but the decision was reversed due to an offside at the beginning of the play.
 
Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Silva tipped a clear chance by Vangelis Pavlidis onto the post, and later, Inácio also made a decisive tackle to block a Bruma shot. From the subsequent  corner, the Greek striker headed the ball slightly over the bar.

Having overcome these moments of difficulty, both defensively and in finding ways to attack, Sporting CP showed a timid reaction to close the first half. Pedro Gonçalves headed the ball into the hands of Samuel Soares, SL Benfica’s starting goalkeeper, who then also saved a low shot from Viktor Gyökeres.

The game went into halftime with the score still 0-0.

The start of the second half turned into a nightmare for the Sporting CP. With Geny Catamo down on the ground, SL Benfica continued their attack, and a powerful, well-placed shot from Kökçü put his team ahead in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later, Bruma seemed to have made it 2-0, this time with Trincão down injured from the start of the play. However, this time, the referee checked VAR and considered that Álvaro Carreras had committed a foul. Thus, the second goal was disallowed.

The thousands of Sporting CP fans in the stands were galvanised, as were the players, who once again imposed themselves in duels, had more control of the ball and got into SL Benfica's area more frequently. Maxi Araújo, Gyökeres and Trincão had the main attacks during this spell.
 
Morita replaced Debast in the midfield in the first change by Sporting CP.

Entering the last 15 minutes, Rui Borges introduced Geovany Quenda and Conrad Harder for Catamo and Gonçalves, then Matheus Reis and Iván Fresneda were also added to the mix.

In the final stretch of regulation time, a good save by Rui Silva from debutant Andrea Belotti kept Sporting CP alive.

Attempts from Trincão's right foot and Harder's head were both weak, but still the team pushed for an equaliser.

Added time reached 90+10 minutes, and it was in the last gasp of injury time that a move between Trincão and Gyökeres turned the game on its head. After leaving a defender in his wake, the Swedish striker was brought down in the area by Renato Sanches and a penalty was awarded.

Gyökeres himself stepped up, and scored his final game of the season from the penalty spot, forcing extra time.

As the game broke down and exhaustion was beginning to show, Sporting CP went in search of more. Samuel Soares got down at the feet of Gyökeres to deny a certain goal.

Then, in the 99th inute, Harder rose highest in the area to meet an excellent cross from Trincão, and his lethal header made it 2-1.

SL Benfica tried to reverse the course of a final they had previously had in hand. David Moreira, making his debut for Sporting CP, replaced a very tired Maxi Araújo, whilst SL Benfica's veteran Ángel Di María – who came on in extra time – tried his luck from a distance with a shot over the bar.

Trincão killed the game off with a magical move, which featured a nutmeg and a classy finish to make it 3-1 at 120'+1'.
 
The joy following the goal only increased upon the final whistle, as Sporting CP celebrated the seventh double in the club’s history.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 75’), Eduardo Quaresma (Iván Fresneda, 83’), Jeremiah St. Juste (Matheus Reis, 83’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Zeno Debast (Hidemasa Morita, 58’), Francisco Trincao, Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 75’), Viktor Gyökeres.