No elaborate introduction is needed for the Gameweek Four PortuGOAL Figure of the Week. Casa Pia were defeated by Moreirense via a special match-winning goal, courtesy of Francisco Domingues.
We sincerely hope that FIFA were watching as Sporting’s Nuno Santos was previously nominated for the prestigious Puskás award for an arguably less spectacular finish of the same vein.
The full-back who is often referred to as Kiko (a typical, affectionate diminutive of Francisco in Portugal) confessed post-match: “I couldn’t even believe it.” That incredulity was shared by several teammates who had their hands on their heads, in a similar state of shock, the moment his audacious shot hurtled into the net.
Portuguese newspaper Record rehashed a video of Kiko attempting the same technical gesture in previous training sessions, while Moreirense manager Vasco Botelho da Costa called it “a work of art.” The artist himself admitted that he does possess the ability and tendency to attempt it with some regularity.
The PortuGOAL Figure of the Week could only be awarded to the protagonist of an extremely strong candidate for goal of the season. Kevin Fernandes reports.
Southern soul, Moreirense magic
Born in Lisbon, Francisco Miguel Teixeira Domingues represented Benfica for 18 years of his life.
Kiko rapidly became a fan favourite, winning the 2022 Under-20 Intercontinental Cup, the U15 Portuguese Championship and leading Benfica B to their joint-highest ever finish (fourth in Portugal’s second division).
Unfortunately, Francisco Domingues would never get his opportunity to feature in Benfica’s first team despite value shown throughout his successful formative years. Kiko would find a home in Moreira de Cónegos, a town of less than ten thousand people to provide a distinct contrast to life in Lisbon.
Kiko settled well into senior football in his new surroundings, featuring in 27 of 34 Liga Portugal fixtures in his first season (2025/26), an irrefutable success for the Green and Whites as they finished seventh, two places above wealthier and more storied local rivals Vitória.
The 2026/27 season has so far been showcased by Kiko’s extraordinary moment of technical inspiration as Moreirense have been a mixed bag as a team, winning once, drawing once and losing once. It can be argued that the moment of the season (for Moreirense in Liga Portugal) came from Domingues.
Mental fortitude
Discurso do Francisco Domingues “Kiko”, capitão e lateral esquerdo da equipa B do Benfica.
— El Capitán (@ElCapitanSLB) May 29, 2025
Este ano a equipa B foi uma verdadeira equipa. Não houve grandes destaques individuais, saltos para a equipa A , mas formou-se um grupo coeso.
Talento? Às vezes é trabalho e mentalidade pic.twitter.com/wLgnbwAaju
Initially a winger, Kiko transitioned into a full-back in his later years as a youth player. Without any overwhelmingly exceptional qualities, the attack-minded player offered value to Benfica’s B team as a solid all-round performer and a vocal, proactive attitude.
Despite his impressive technical ability, Kiko never quite showed the promise of the likes of fellow Benfica full-backs Daniel Banjaqui or José Neto, both winners of the U17 World Cup with Portugal, and his career stagnated in later years, in part due to a serious injury that doubtless stunted his development.
Kiko has stood out throughout his short career for his mature decision-making, somewhat ironic given the audacious and what could be perceived as a naive effort that has put him on the radar of millions as his goal went viral across the world.
The latest PortuGOAL Figure of the Week is perhaps more deserving of the title than any predecessor due to his suddenly gained reputation. Humble Moreirense will be hoping that this translates into repeated moments of magic.
Kevin Fernandes’ Liga Portugal Team of the Week (GW4)
My @ligaportugal Team Of The Week - GW4 (One player per team) pic.twitter.com/67lL48NzWt
— Kevin Fernandes (@kevinaraujof) September 4, 2026
