The 20-year-old Brazilian central defender arrives from Leixões SC

Rafael Pontelo has been confirmed as a winter reinforcement for Sporting Clube de Portugal. The 20-year-old Brazilian central defender arrives from Leixões SC on a contract through to 2028, with a release clause of 45 million euros.

“I am very happy to be part of Sporting CP. It has, of course, been a dream since I was little to play for a big club like this. Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” Pontelo began by telling the media, adding that “I am very happy and motivated. My expectations are high and it involves working hard to be able to play and to help the team.”

Holding dual Brazilian and Italian nationality, Pontelo arrived in Portuguese football earlier this season, going on to play 14 games for Leixões SC.

“It was a short spell, but everything went well for me,” he said, adding that now the step up is much bigger.

“It’s the peak of my career to represent such a big club. I hope to respond in the best way possible on the pitch.”

Having come up from the youth system at AA Ponte Preta, he had a brief experience in European football in 2022 with Spanish team Real Valladolid, returning to Brazil to represent Cruzeiro EC's Under-20s side.

Pontelo describes himself as “a very fast central defender who likes to play with the ball at his feet," and explained that upon his arrival at Sporting CP he immediately received advice from central defenders and captains, Sebastián Coates and Luís Neto.

“There is a very united group who want to help me, and I am grateful for that. They [Coates and Neto] have helped me a lot, and I realised right away that Rúben Amorim is a rigorous coach."

“I promise grit and determination. I will always do my best for this club. I was at the last game, in Portimão, and I saw that the fans make a lot of noise. I can’t wait to get onto the pitch and be able to celebrate with them.”