Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.
"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."
Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."
Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown
You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.
“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."
Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.
“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."
The presentation game ends 2-0 at the Estádio Jose Alvalade
Playing for the first time at the Estádio José Alvalade in the 2026/27 preseason, Sporting Clube de Portugal took a 2-0 victory over AS Monaco in the 14th edition of the Troféu Cinco Violinos.
After the previous edition was held at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor last year, the match, a presentation to Sporting CP fans and a tribute to the mythical quintet of Jesus Correia, Vasques, Fernando Peyroteo, Travassos and Albano, returned home.
Played out in front of 39,803 Sportinguistas, the game saw goals from youngsters Rafael Nel and Jesse Derry.
As is tradition in this fixture, before kick-off the squad for the new season was presented, along with their squad numbers: Rui Silva (1), Silas Andersen (4), Sergi Altimira (5), Zeno Debast (6), Fotis Ioannidis (7), Pedro Gonçalves (8), Rafael Nel (9), Geny Catamo (10), Nuno Santos (11), João Virgínia (12), Georgios Vagiannidis (13), Giorgi Kochorashvili (14), Souleymane Faye (15), Rodrigo Zalazar (17), Maxi Araújo (20), Pedro Lima (21), Iván Fresneda (22), Daniel Bragança (23), Gonçalo Inácio (25), Ousmane Diomande (26), Jesse Derry (28), Luís Guilherme (31), Diego Calai (41), João Simões (52), Ibrahima Ba (55), Flávio Gonçalves (58), Eduardo Quaresma (72), Issa Doumbia (77), Luis Suárez (97) and Francisco Silva (99).
For the meeting with AS Monaco, who placed seventh last season in Ligue 1, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges maintained much of the starting XI used in the thrashing of RC Strasbourg. Uruguayans Maxi Araújo and Rodrigo Zalazar were the only changes as starters, in place of Ricardo Mangas (transferred to AC Monza this past week) and Silas Andersen, who began the game on the bench.
The team didn't take long to produce their first attacks, lacking only the finishing. First of all, off a quick transition, Nel's promising pass was slightly overhit for Geny Catamo. Then, moments later Rodrigo Zalazar tried the first shot, which went low and wide of the far post.
Before the first quarter hour was up, Nel enjoyed several chances in the box, and only a last-ditch clearance denied him a goal on the second of these.
With a curling shot, Geny hit the crossbar, and then opposition goalkeeper Lukas Hradeký made a spectacular save to deny Flávio Gonçalves off a Nel backheel. Doumbia and Geny also had dangerous shots that went wide before the half hour, albeit without success.
AS Monaco – with former Sporting CP players Eric Dier and Flávio Nazinho among their number – managed to contain play, but were unable to threaten until a recovery in an advanced position by Mika Biereth. Eduardo Quaresma, the last defender, cleared the play with efficiency.
For the second half, Sporting CP changed their kit, made three substitutions – Pedro Gonçalves, Silas Andersen and Luís Guilherme coming on for Flávio Gonçalves, Rodrigo Zalazar and Geny Catamo – and regained control of possession.
A few minutes after the restart, Nel had a deflection towards goal blocked by a defender. He then finally broke the deadlock, appearing at the far post to head in an excellent cross from Luís Guilherme, making it 1-0 in the 54th minute. And the lead almost increased immediately, as Pedro Gonçalves unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that went just wide of the post.
The attacker was taken off not long after, and this was followed by another triple substitution, bringing on Pedro Lima, Jesse Derry, and Fotis Ioannidis.
AS Monaco's first chance saw Aleksandr Golovin take a free kick that went close to the top corner of the Sporting goal.
However, it was Sporting CP who struck again, as in the 68th minute, debutant Jesse Derry received the ball in the area and, with a well-placed effort, scored a fantastic goal to make it 2-0.
With everything under control, Rodrigo Dias, Iván Fresneda and Daniel Bragança also came on. Chances were not lacking and Luís Guilherme and Jesse Derry again put the opposition goalkeeper to the test. Silas Andersen then headed thunderously against the woodwork near the 90th minute.
After the final whistle, there was the presentation of the symbolic trophy with the presence of the families of Jesus Correia, Vasques, Fernando Peyroteo, Travassos and Albano.
On Friday, July 31st, the squad will once again travel to the South of the country and to the Estádio Algarve Stadium, where they will face the English side Nottingham Forest in their final pre-season friendly.
The coach looks at thee Troféu Cinco Violinos game
This Saturday, Sporting CP return to the Estádio José Alvalade for the 14th edition of the Troféu Cinco Violinos, against AS Monaco. The game marks the official presentation of the team to fans before the start of the 2026/27 season.
Coach Rui Borges talked to the media before the contest, and gave a very positive assessment of the first weeks of work with the group.
"It’s been a very good pre-season, in every sense. The energy that everyone has shown, on and off the pitch, has been very good. The demand has been high; everyone wants to show that they want to play, that they want to be a solution for us, that they want to make Sporting CP grow -and grow individually as well. I couldn't be more satisfied with everyone's response," the coach began by saying.
"I think we got our signings right not only in terms of footballing, technical and tactical profiles, but also in terms of character and personality. It's something we try to understand before adding a player to the group. They are all very friendly and open, and from the first day they talked to their teammates as if they've known each other for years. The day-to-day at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo is very easy to manage. Whoever arrives feels at home, feels happy and is motivated. It's also important that those who were already here before transmit the values of Sporting CP and the demands of representing this club. It has been fantastic.”
Borges added that the players “have to focus only on their work. For everything else, the club are always available to help and avoid worries that have nothing to do with football. Everyone helps everyone else, each in their role, and this is felt from the first second they arrive and start representing Sporting CP.”
When questioned about the various departures from the squad, the coach responded that he sees them as "a natural consequence in football" and showed full confidence in the current group.
"Some players leave because they had great seasons, others because they feel the time has come to embrace a new challenge. Sporting CP will continue to be a very competitive team, with positive energy and very high standards. Different, younger players arrive, with an enormous desire to show their worth, get victories and add their name to the history of Sporting CP. I’m very calm and happy with the individual and collective response of the group. Everything happens in its own time. Players and coaches come and go, but the club will always be the same and will continue fighting for trophies," he affirmed.
Despite recent results in preseason games, including impressive wins and an aggregate score of 11-1, Borges says that there is still much work to be done before the first matchday in Liga Portugal, when Sporting CP visit CF Estrela da Amadora on August 8th.
"There are many new players joining the team, and we are still far from where we want to be as a collective. We are growing physically, technically, and tactically, and the response has been positive. The important thing is individual and collective growth so that we arrive even stronger when the games really count," he said.
Now comes AS Monaco, another important test to prepare for the start of the season.
"It's a good test, against a great team, with great players and a great coach. They will show where we are at, and those are the challenges we want. We want to continue growing so that we arrive even more prepared for the first league game. Furthermore, we have to honour this tribute to Sporting CP's golden generation, the Cinco Violinos," he also said.
"I’ve really missed seeing a full stadium and having our fans with us. I would love for Alvalade to be full so the new players can immediately feel the atmosphere they will experience throughout the season. I believe they are also anxious, but it's a good kind of anxiety. These players will give their all for Sporting CP, and the fans have felt that. The new players arrived with great energy, eager to show their worth, and they will also feel the strength of our fans," he concluded.
The Estádio José Alvalade hosts first team football this Saturday, as Sporting CP play the 14th edition of the Troféu Cinco Violinos against AS Monaco.
Ahead of the match, defender Iván Fresneda admitted to missing playing at home during this 70-day absence.
"It seems like a long time has passed since the last game at Alvalade. The whole team are eager to play with the fans in the stands and to get back out on the pitch. We are very happy to be back," he began by saying on Friday.
"Sporting CP have always been a family since the first day I arrived, and that doesn't change now. The new players are fully integrated into the team. I think they're enjoying it as much as we are, and it's been a great preseason for everyone. The most important thing is the family atmosphere that the club have. All the players who arrive know what Sporting CP are all about, and it takes them very little time to integrate. It's something incredible that happens here," affirmed Fresneda, who also offered high praise for his compatriot Sergi Altimira.
"I'm very happy to have another Spaniard on the team. He's a great friend of mine, and I already consider him more of a friend than a teammate. He's really enjoying Lisbon, the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, and being here with us. I think he'll be very happy during the season," he revealed.
Now fully recovered from the injury that sidelined him for a spell last season, Fresneda guaranteed he is "100% and ready to play."
"The team have been playing very well this summer. We are preparing very well. These games don't give us any points, but they matter to us and to the team's morale. We have to continue like this," he emphasised.
Finally, the defender reinforced the importance of the Troféu Cinco Violinos, a competition which occupies a special place for the club.
"It's a very important trophy for the club and for us too. Everyone knows it's a game that we have to win. We are very happy to return to Alvalade," he concluded.
The players are put through their paces in a demanding session
The Sporting Clube de Portugal first team returned to training this Thursday at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete, upping their intensity levels further.
Coach Rui Borges ran the team through a session focused on the Troféu Cinco Violinos, the game held this Saturday at 7:30pm against AS Monaco. The match will also mark the presentation of the Sporting CP squad to fans at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Another training session is scheduled for Friday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo.
The club bolster the defence with another new arrival
Sporting Clube de Portugal have completed the signing of 21-year-old defender Ibrahima Ba, who joins from FC Famalicão on a contract through to 2031, with a buyout clause of €80 million.
Ba was at French side Valenciennes FC before arriving in Portugal with FC Famalicão in 2024. He played 24 games in the 2025/26 season, in which FC Famalicão finished fifth in Liga Portugal.
In his first words after signing his contract, Ba expressed that he was "very happy” with the move.
"I know that wearing the Sporting CP shirt brings with it great responsibility, and I will continue working. I’m ready to give everything on the pitch. Sporting CP are one of the best clubs in the world and I am happy to be here. Thank you to the president and staff for the confidence they are placing in me," he said.
“The fans help the team and push us forward, and I want to join this family and contribute to winning the title.”
Also noting his excitement at playing in the UEFA Champions League, Ba then described his playing style.
"I’m a fast and strong player who defends well."
"I've already played against Sporting CP while at FC Famalicão and now I'm going to represent the home side at the Estádio José Alvalade. I can’t wait to play for Sporting CP. When I played against them, it wasn't easy -because it's difficult to go up against those fans and that support."
PLAYER BIOGRAPHY
Name: Ibrahima Ba Date of Birth: May 26, 2005 (21 years old) Nationality: Senegalese Position: Defender Previous clubs: AJEL de Rufisque, Valenciennes FC and FC Famalicão
The new arrival praises the group after his unofficial debut
Following the resounding 7-0 victory against RC Strasbourg, Rodrigo Zalazar spoke to journalists in attendance at the preseason friendly. The new Sporting CP midfielder played his first minutes for the club in the game, and scored a penalty.
“It was a dream debut. I'm also happy with how the team played, because we had a great performance. We have to keep up this momentum, because we're very close to the start of the season,” he began by saying.
Zalazar highlighted that he had found “a great group in terms of people” at Sporting CP.
“They’ve made me feel very comfortable immediately. It's very impactful to arrive at a team and in the first few days you already feel like you've been here for a long time. We’ve brought in many new players and I think we’re showing the quality we have and what we can add. The players who were already here are incredible, so I think we’ve found a good balance. I think we have a great team and a great group,” praised Zalazar.
“I want to help my teammates as much as possible and do my job. The coach has shown me a lot of confidence from day one. For me, it’s a pleasure to work with him.”
Regarding his move to Sporting CP, the former SC Braga player revealed that it was an “easy decision.”
“When the opportunity arose, I immediately told my agent that I wanted to come to the club, and that I didn’t have to think twice. I’m very happy to be here and I hope to stay for a long time,” concluded the 26-year-old footballer, unafraid of carrying the label of the most expensive player in Sporting CP’s history.
“This club is a footballing giant, it was a big money transfer, but I try to handle it naturally. The responsibility you have starts from the moment you put on this shirt, no matter how much you cost,” considered Zalazar.
The midfielder will wear the number 17 shirt this season vacated by the outgoing Francisco Trincão.
“I would have liked to have played with him. For me, it’s an honour to wear the number that was his before, and I hope to do things as well as he did,” he underlined.
Excited to play alongside striker Luis Suárez, he will also team up with compatriot Maxi Araújo.
“I can’t wait to meet up with Luis to start getting to know him better and create our dynamic, because he is a key player for us. Maxi is a special person for me because we’ve been friends for many years. I’m very happy to be here with him, and I think we’ll be happy together,” concluded the most recent Sporting CP signing.
Sporting CP win 7-0 to conclude their stay in the Algarve
Sporting CP beat RC Strasbourg 7-0 in a Monday night friendly that concluded their training camp in the Algarve.
After beating Portimonense SC 1-0 in the morning, the team put in an excellent showing against the side who finished eighth in Ligue 1 and were semi-finalists in the UEFA Conference League in 2025/26.
New signings Issa Doumbia and Sergi Altimira scored in the first half, and Silas Andersen found the net in the second. Newcomer Rodrigo Zalazar, Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo, and Fotis Ioannidis also added to the tally.
Sporting CP coach Rui Borges fielded a similar starting XI to the side that beat Celtic FC, but made one change in each position: Geogios Vagiannidis, Silas Andersen, and Rafael Nel began the game in place of Souleymane Faye, Pedro Gonçalves and Gabriel Silva.
Os Leões took the lead after just four minutes, thanks to a beautiful goal from Issa Doumbia. He started the move, releasing Ricardo Mangas down the wing, and then entered the area to receive the return pass, turning on his marker and shooting powerfully to score.
Added to this early goal was great ball possession and control of the tempo. There was also a solid chance, as Flávio Gonçalves worked the ball towards the edge of the area and forced goalkeeper Milosz Piekutowski to make a save for a corner.
RC Strasbourg's reaction saw them create opportunities near João Virgínia's goal, and the goalkeeper had to show quick reflexes following a set piece. Soon after, striker Miloš Luković appeared in the area to shoot slightly wide, and Sébastian Nanasi, after the hydration break, almost caused problems, cut out by Eduardo Felicíssimo's interception.
Just past the half-hour mark, the team regrouped and reached a 2-0 lead. Geny Catamo and Sergi Altimira had attacks in the area that came to nothing, whilst Doumbia hit the post and Flávio Gonçalves tested Piekutowski from close-range, before Altimira had another chance and converted a low, well-placed shot.
Sporting CP could even have scored again before the break, but a perfect tackle by Rabby Nzingoula denied Doumbia off a pinpoint pass over the defence by Flávio Gonçalves.
Six minutes were all it took to extend the lead off the restart, and again the goal through one of the reinforcements for 2026/27. Flávio Gonçalves took a free kick from the side into the area, and midfielder Silas Andersen rose above everyone else to head the ball in.
The substitutions began early with the introduction of Jesse Derry, the return of Maxi Araújo after the World Cup, and the first minutes for Rodrigo Zalazar. The latter had an immediate impact, with a run down the right that ended with him being fouled for a penalty -which he himself converted to make it 4-0.
This renewed energy continued to bear fruit. Fotis Ioannidis moved into the striker position, and Maxi Araújo scored in the 70th minute. The Uruguayan appeared to tuck away the rebound after Piekutowski had saved from Zalazar.
Further goals came from Geny Catamo, with a powerful shot after cutting in from the right, and Ioannidis -who sealed the victory with a precise conversion of a low cross from Maxi Araújo.
The squad now return home to continue their training, and on Saturday the Estádio José Alvalade will host the presentation game against AS Monaco in the Trofeu Cinco Violinos. On July 31st, they return to the Estádio do Algarve to face English side Nottingham Forest.
Sporting Clube de Portugal played a friendly match against Portimonense SC on Monday morning, contested over two 35-minute halves. They won 1-0, thanks to a goal scored by Daniel Bragança.
Rui Borges fielded a starting lineup of Diego Callai, Souleymane Faye, Afonso Lee, Rafael Mota, Rodrigo Dias, Pedro Lima, Daniel Bragança, Paulo Cardoso, Mauro Couto, Luís Guilherme, and Pedro Gonçalves.
