Liga Portugal 2026/2027 has already entered Gil Vicente history as a footballer named Gil (Martins) has finally made an appearance and scored for the club.
To fully fulfil the appetite of futile facts regarding nominative determinism , two players going by the name Vicente have represented the Gil first-team previously: Vicente (1996-1997) and Beto Vicente (1993-1995)
Martins produced an exquisitely deft lofted finish after a tenacious assist by Héctor Hernández, who would later contribute with a goal of his own as Gil defeated lowly Casa Pia by two goals.
The 20-year-old number twenty made a single appearance for the senior side last season after impressing for the U-23s, but convinced new coach Luís Pinto he is deserving of more minutes in the first team with pre-season performances.
Gil Martins is promising to deliver. Kevin Fernandes reports on the latest PortuGOAL Figure of the Week.
Made in Madeira… but not that one
Born in São João da Madeira, you would be incorrect in assuming that I am referring to the Portuguese Island. Gil Pinto Martins was raised in the town which shares its name with the Atlantic archipelago, but which is located in the deep north of the Aveiro district and part of the Porto Metropolitan Area.
He commenced his career playing for the kids’ side of local club AD Sanjoanense before a brief passage through CB Estarreja before reaching the pinnacle for any northern Portuguese footballer: Futebol Clube do Porto.
From the U17s to the senior team (pre-season tour), Gil Martins rose rapidly up the youth ranks, mirroring his trajectory in international football, representing Portugal on 51 occasions and contributing to 16 goals.
Alongside the likes of Rodrigo Mora and Martim Fernandes, the two-way attacker was called upon to prove himself at the highest level, as the trio had done previously in the UEFA Youth League campaign.
Although Martins’ chance in competitive football did not arrive at Porto, it certainly would in Barcelos at this early stage in his career.
“This is what we wanted from him, given the intelligence that he has”
Luís Pinto was clear with his words in the post-match press conference after the Rio Ave victory: “I didn’t give him anything for free. He has earned his place. He deserved to start and stay in the squad.”
He was equally complimentary of Martins’ associative play and defensive contribution after the magnificent chipped goal against Casa Pia stole the show.
Neat in possession, committed when tracking back and mature in all of his actions.
The attacking midfielder has played across the supporting forward line, honing his passing and shooting capabilities in varied zones. Martins is an impactful player in dangerous zones instead of simply falling into the stereotype of the typical promising Portuguese wide dribbler.
Barcelos to Bavaria, Bucharest or Budapest?
Two games and two wins into the new campaign, will Gil be leading Gil to European football for the 2027/2028 season?
Kevin Fernandes’ Liga Portugal Team of the Week (GW2)
My @ligaportugal Team Of The Week - GW3
— Kevin Fernandes (@kevinaraujof) August 26, 2026
(One player per team, despite the two games to be played at a later date) pic.twitter.com/OG9jOtaDcA
