Portugal hasn’t stopped producing great footballers and the country continues to pour resources into players across different clubs. Often these gems leave early on in their career to make a big name for themselves abroad but Portugal has no shortage of good footballers playing in their homeland. The Primeira Liga is a strong development league; several domestic-based players are now lining themselves up for potential senior Seleção call-ups.
As there are significant competitions looming and the staff of the national team will be monitoring burgeoning talents at home, the coming years, dare we say it even the coming months, could see one of the most thrilling influx of Portuguese-based prospects in years.
Here’s a look at the domestic stars who seem to be most likely to make the jump to Roberto Martínez’s senior squad.
***
Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP) – The winger/attacking midfielder is about to break in
Geovany Quenda is regarded as one of the most exciting teenagers in Portuguese football. He has onto the scene at Sporting CP last season with his trickery, speed, passing ability and above all his football intelligence. His maturity beyond his years enables him to create danger practically every time the ball falls to him.
He might only be 19 years old but he’s already a first-team regular for Sporting and impressed so much in his debut season that Chelsea shelled out €50 million euros to buy him. Quenda will be wearing the blue shirt and performing at Stamford Bridge next season. The Seleção has always found a home unpredictable attackers who have flair and natural creativity.
A call-up for the senior team may happen sooner rather than later if he plays regularly. He actually made Martínez’s squad last year but did not see playing time and he is, alongside Rodrigo Mora, one of all the domestic kids closest to a full national team debut.
Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto) - Midfielder with big-match composure
Rodrigo Mora had an outstanding debut season in 2024/25, often carrying a malfunctioning Porto on his teenage back. He has a great set of feet and very good vision through midfield; he is capable of dictating the tempo and breaking the lines, as well as being a significant goal threat in his own right.
His sharp mind and flexibility have impressed coaches at youth level, while the national-team setup has always prized midfielders who balance technique with tactical discipline. If Mora plays regularly for Porto’s first team he will become a realistic option for the Portugal midfield pool. With Porto being considered realistic title contenders in Portugal league predictions, the performance of their youngsters, alongside the experienced core will be pivotal, even for the success of the national team.
Martim Fernandes (FC Porto) – A modern-day defender with a high ceiling
Martim Fernandes is considered one of the best young defenders in the Portuguese domestic ranks. Because of his boundless energy, reading of the game and on-ball comfort, he fits the modern profile for international football.
Although still a teenager, he has accumulated over 50 appearances for Porto’s first team and is developing quickly and has the maturity that national team managers want. As Portugal look to bolster their depth in defence for future competitions, Fernandes is certainly one who will eventually join the senior team.
Afonso Patrão (SC Braga) – A rising forward with clutch instincts
SC Braga’s academy has recently produced several attacking gems that have earned the club big transfer fees such as Francisco Trincão, Pedro Neto and Vitinha, and the latest to roll off the conveyor belt is Afonso Patrão. Just 18 years of age, Patrão has already scored some clutch goal for Braga and the Portugal youth teams.
Patrão’s clever movement and sharp finishing show he can be an effective option. If he starts regularly for his club, Portugal could have another versatile attacking option. The Seleção has traditionally found it difficult to count on reliable centre-forwards and Patrão could be one in the making.
Mauro Furtado (Benfica) – defensive talent with huge potential
Mauro Furtado was man of the match in the final as Portugal beat Austria 1-0 to win the recent U17 World Cup hosted in Qatar.
It was a richly deserved distinction for the centre-back who was hugely impressive throughout the tournament. Having turned 17 in the summer, Furtado is the youngest player on this list but should he maintain his level of progress he should soon be knocking on the door of Benfica’s first team and from there the world appears to be his oyster. Great anticipation and reading of the game alongside fantastic distribution with the ball at his feet are assets that mark out Mauro Furtado as a name to remember.
***
Why these domestic talents have a real chance now
At present, there are some larger trends going on in Portuguese football that favour domestic talent.
More trust in younger players: In recent cycles, we have seen that Portugal’s coaching staff are more willing to integrate youth early on should they show maturity and quality.
The Primeira Liga’s competitiveness: Although the “Big Three” continue to be the major forces in the Portuguese league, the league overall has become more balanced and hence has allowed more young players to play meaningful high-level matches.
Strong academy systems: Sporting, Porto, Benfica, Braga, Vitória and various smaller clubs keep on producing players that are well-coached and tactically advanced and ready for international football.
National-team renewal cycles: As veteran players age out or face form fluctuations, the stage is set for domestic players to seize vacant slots in the squad.
In short…
The future of Portuguese football is looking promising as young players are rising from domestic and overseas leagues. The Primeira Liga may not be the most lucrative or prestigious championship in Europe, but it continues to produce an array of football talents at a prodigious rate. Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora, Martim Fernandes, Afonso Patrão and Mauro Furtado are leading a newer generation of talents.
The Seleção are certainly going to refresh ahead of the qualifiers and tournaments and these young players hailing from the domestic scene are set to be next in line to step out proudly wearing the Portugal jersey.
