Coates on extending his stay in Alvalade

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 goalkeeper speaks in preseason training

A reinforcement for the squad in the winter transfer window back in January, Rui Silva needed little time to become a valuable asset to Sporting CP. The goalkeeper integrated well with the dressing room and on the pitch, helping his side to a league and cup double.

Now in his first preseason at the club, he is ready to achieve further success in 2025/26. "It was an intense season last time out, in which we achieved our goals. It's great to be back with my teammates, preparing for the new season in the best way possible", he said on Wednesday.

At the end of the season, Rui Silva was part of the Portuguese national team which won the UEFA Nations League, before enjoying a well-deserved break. "It's essential to spend time with my family; we spend a lot of time away from them. It's important to dedicate this time to our children, to practice other sports, to clear our minds. But, of course, by the third week of the summer break we're already itching to get back to doing what we love most", he acknowledged.

"Last season was the most special of my career. Until now, I'd only won one trophy: The Copa del Rey in Spain. Winning three trophies in these five months was very gratifying. I'm very proud. It was an incredible year for me personally", he shared.

"Now, I'm preparing as best I can, like the whole team. We want to put on a great show for the Sporting CP fans on July 31st by winning another trophy", he said, referring to the Super Taça Cândido de Oliveira, which pits Sporting CP against SL Benfica.

Silva is aware that there is plenty of expectation, and hopes to make good on it. "The demands have increased. We have a lot of new faces and young players who want to succeed and be in the first team. It's a privilege for them, and they have to work hard to help us", he commented.

"We're two-time champions, and that brings with it an added responsibility. We have to keep our feet on the ground and have a strong sense of duty. We know what lies ahead".

The training camp in Lagos is approaching and, with it, the first friendlies that are open to fans. "Our fans' support is unconditional," said Silva. "I know they're also eager to watch football again. I hope they come to the Estadio do Algarve to support us, because we have a final to play soon".

The defender talks about the first day back in training

Back to work at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo alongside his Sporting CP teammates, Iván Fresneda is fully focused on the challenges ahead.

"I really enjoy going on holiday and spending time with family and friends, but I've never stopped thinking about coming back here to make more history with Sporting CP," the player began by saying after the first training session since the summer break.

"The first few days are always the hardest, and we have to adapt to it, but it's going very well. The team seem confident about what lies ahead," added the fullback.

The Spain Under-21 international believes that this summer will be a valuable preparation for coach Rui Borges and the team, stating that "It's very good for him and even more so for us, because we can take the opportunity to do everything right from the start, as the coach and the coaching staff want."

Entering his third season at the club, Fresneda looks back with pride on his time in Portugal so far.

"When I arrived two years ago, I felt like this team was a family. Players have come and gone since I've been here, but the core has remained the same. Everyone who comes up from the academy or the B team feels comfortable, because they are welcomed, from the most experienced players to the youngest. I've never seen such a good team."

"I still receive advice from those who have been here longer and have already achieved a lot, but it's true that, after two seasons and with the trophies we've already won, I can also pass on something to others," he revealed.

Fresneda also emphasised that the team want to win a third straight league title, as well as other ambitions.

"The responsibility we have, just for representing Sporting CP, is already immense. It will be more difficult this year, but we will fight for everything we can, because that's what this club and the history of this entity demand," he added.

The training camp in the Algarve will be the next step in preparations for the new season, and the Spaniard made an appeal to the fans.

"The team are already really looking forward to playing these games, to seeing the Sporting CP fans. I invite everyone to come and watch the matches. We've been without them for over a month now, and we really need their support. I believe many of them will be there."

"There will be time to think about the Super Taça later, but it all starts now, with daily work and focus in each training session," he concluded.

The midfielder arrives as the latest summer reinforcement

Sporting CP have signed midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili on a contract through to 2030, with an 80 million euros buyout clause.

The Georgian, who has represented his country at senior level since 2023, joins from Spanish side Levante UD, with whom he achieved promotion as winners of the Spanish Segunda División this past season. Previously, he has also turned out for Girona FC, CF Peralada and CD Castellón in Spain, since arriving in 2017.

The 26-year-old was presented on Sunday, with club president Frederico Varandas. Kochorashvili began talking about Captain America, the superhero who serves as the inspiration for his goal celebration.

"In the story of Captain America, people said that he was weak, that he wasn't ready. Then, he transformed himself and saved the world, helping people. When I do my celebration, it's for all the children who are told that they're not ready for challenges. What I tell them is that if I can do it -and if Captain America can do it- then they can too. You have to believe, work hard and have discipline," he said of his identification with the comic book hero.

At Sporting CP, Kochorashvili will have the opportunity to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League, which he sees as "every child's dream."

"When I was younger, I dreamed of one day being able to play in that competition. My parents wouldn't let me watch the UEFA Champions League games because it was too late and I needed to sleep, but now I'm making a dream come true. I just want to help, because the team is the most important thing. I know I can contribute, both on and off the pitch."

Of his arrival and opening days of training, the midfielder stated that "All of my teammates have welcomed me very well, as if I were a brother or a son. When you come to a new home, you feel different, but within a day or two they have made me feel like one of them," he revealed.

"I already knew that Sporting CP were a big club, because of the huge fanbase they have. I can't wait to get out onto the pitch and celebrate with the fans."

"Of course, we will have difficulties, but I know that if we stick together, we can continue what has been done before. I will work to demonstrate that I am worthy of wearing this shirt, which is the most important thing," he added.

"I want to improve every year, especially in terms of the details. I give everything in defence and attack, try to control the pace of the game and get into the box," he explained.

"We all like to score goals, but the most important thing is to help my teammates wherever they need it. If a full-back or winger needs me to cover for them, I'll be there. I want to be a player who adds value to my teammates. The words I like most are 'perseverance' and 'resilience.' We'll have difficulties, but I'll work hard every day to overcome them," he promised.

Finally, Kochorashvili left a message to Sporting CP fans: "Let's enjoy this a lot. Let's fight hard and keep our confidence. The most important thing in our lives is to enjoy what we do. Let's do our part and I believe it will be very beautiful."

The 2025/26 Liga Portugal calendar has been released

The schedule for the 2025/26 Liga Portugal season was released to the public on Friday, in an event which took place in the recently opened Arena Liga Portugal, in Porto.

The ceremony featured a tribute to the late Diogo Jota and André Silva.

Reigning champions Sporting Clube de Portugal will begin their title defence away from home against Casa Pia AC, on the weekend of August 9-10th.

On Matchday 2, they host FC Arouca, followed by a trip to face CD Nacional.

The first 'Clássico' of the season is scheduled for the following matchday, at home to FC Porto, and on Matchday 23 they play SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz.

Sporting CP's season officially begins on July 31st, with the Super Taça Cândido de Oliveira against SL Benfica at the Estádio Algarve.

Liga Portugal also announced that the final four of the Taça da Liga will take place once again in Leiria, between January 6-10th, 2026. Sporting CP host FC Alverca in the quarterfinals of the competition.

SPORTING CP'S LIGA PORTUGAL SCHEDULE FOR 2025/26:
MD1/18 (10/08 - 18/01): Casa Pia AC vs. Sporting CP
MD2/19 (17/08 - 25/01): Sporting CP vs. FC Arouca
MD3/20 (24/08 - 01/02): CD Nacional vs. Sporting CP
MD4/21 (31/08 - 08/02): Sporting CP vs. FC Porto
MD5/22 (14/09 - 15/02): FC Famalicao vs. Sporting CP
MD6/23 (21/09 - 22/02): Sporting CP vs. Moreirense FC
MD7/24 (28/09 - 01/03): GD Estoril Praia vs. Sporting CP
MD8/25 (05/10 - 08/03): Sporting CP vs. SC Braga
MD9/26 (26/10 - 15/03): CD Tondela vs. Sporting CP
MD10/27 (02/11 - 22/03): Sporting CP vs. FC Alverca
MD11/28 (10/11 - 04/04): CD Santa Clara vs. Sporting CP
MD12/29 (01/12 - 12/04): Sporting CP vs. CF Estrela da Amadora
MD13/30 (08/12 - 19/04): SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP
MD14/31 (15/12 - 26/04): Sporting CP vs. AFS
MD15/32 (22/12 - 03/05): Vitoria SC vs. Sporting CP
MD16/33 (29/12 - 10/05): Sporting CP vs. Rio Ave FC
MD17/34 (05/01 - 17/05): Gil Vicente FC vs. Sporting CP

The players came back from their summer break on Tuesday

On Tuesday, July 1st, the first team and B team squads both returned to work after the summer break.

At the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP kicked off preparations for 2025/26 with the customary fitness tests and medical examinations during the morning, both in the gym and on the pitch. In the afternoon, Rui Borges led the first preseason training session in very hot weather.

25 players were present: Diego Calai, Francisco Silva, Ousmane Diomande, Bruno Ramos, Ivan Fresneda, Diogo Travassos, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Jeremiah St Juste, David Moreira, Ricardo Esgaio, João Simões, Daniel Braganca, Hidemasa Morita, Eduardo Felicíssimo, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Manuel Mendonca, Rayan Lucas, Nuno Santos, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Lucas Anjos, Mauro Couto, Biel, Geny Catamo and Alisson Santos.

Those who have been away with their respective national teams will report to training at a later date.

The winger joins the club on a 5-year deal

Alisson Santos has joined Sporting Clube de Portugal through to 2030, on a contract with a buyout clause of 80 million euros.

Having played in the academy at EC Vitória, in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the 22-year-old winger reached the club's first team, also turning out for Clube Náutico Capibaribe and Figueirense FC on loan. In 2024/25 he was loaned out to UD Leiria in Portugal, for whom he scored six goals in 18 games.

His presentation for Sporting CP took place between the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo and Lisbon's Castelo São Jorge. Santos spoke of being "very happy to wear the Sporting CP shirt."

"It's a dream come true for me and I hope to make the most of the opportunity, do my best and help the club," he told the Leoninos media.

Having worked with the team for a few months already, the Brazilian explained that "it was like a movie playing in my head when I went to Alcochete or Alvalade for the first time. It made me realise that I was achieving something very big in my career."

"Everything has been wonderful and the group have welcomed me. Seeing the team become league champions was very good for me too. I hope to help the group so that things continue like this. The coach and the players have always tried to help me and I enjoyed it a lot -even knowing that I couldn't play yet," he said.
Santos revealed that his early days in Portugal were full of obstacles to be overcome.

"At first it was a bit difficult because it was the first time I had left Brazil, but I had people who helped me adapt here. My mother was the main person who gave me the strength to continue pursuing my dream. I was strong, I looked forward and kept fighting. I performed well at UD Leiria and coming here is a dream come true. Looking back and seeing everything I went through for me to get to Sporting CP makes me feel fulfilled," he explained.

The pacey winger believes he has already evolved since arriving at Sporting CP.

"Everyone has helped me a lot, but especially Matheus Reis, who has always talked to me after training. I'm really looking forward to playing. I believe it will be a great preseason for everyone and we're going to work hard. As for the season itself, playing in the UEFA Champions League is a dream for every player. I'm going to work hard to be able to play in that competition."

Finally, Santos gave a message to supporters of Sporting CP.

"What Sporting CP fans can expect from me is a lot of determination and desire to win. I've seen that everyone has this desire and you end up drawing on that. I hope to bring a lot of joy to everyone."

The team will play Celtic FC and Sunderland AFC this July

Sporting CP fans can now buy tickets for the two preseason friendlies that the team will play in July at the Estádio do Algarve, during their summer training camp.

With prices ranging between €20 and €30, tickets can be purchased through the MEO Blueticket platform.

July 16th (7:30 p.m.)
Sporting CP vs. Celtic FC
Tickets for this game are on sale here.

July 21st (8:00 p.m.)
Sporting CP vs. Sunderland AFC
Tickets for this game are on sale here.

Statements after winning the Taça de Portugal

After the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Taça de Portugal final against SL Benfica, coach Rui Borges talked in a press conference at Jamor.

Obstacles overcome during the season
"Difficulties exist, but I just don't get attached to them. It all depends on how we look at them and take advantage of them to seize opportunities. We worked hard and made the players believe they were league champions. They didn't lose their quality and they didn't stop being the best. When one player didn't play, another played. It's part of life and I look back at my life with great happiness and gratitude for what it gives me every day."

Analysis of the game
"It was a competitive game, like all the others we've had against these opponents. At times we were the better side, at others they were. We started well in the first half, then we let SL Benfica believe and Rui Silva made a great save. The game balanced out and, in the second half, we wanted to be stronger in the duels, where we were being a bit soft. SL Benfica had a different strategy than usual and overcame our initial formation. We didn't start so well in the second half and were a bit lost for five minutes after their goal. Naturally, SL Benfica tried to hold onto the result. It's natural, as it's the final."

The fairness of the result
"It was 1-3 and the result speaks for itself. It's very fair."

The masterclass by Viktor Gyökeres
"Those who are watching from the outside have to understand that Viktor won't always be at his best. He had to be more patient at times to have fewer chances -but better ones. At any moment he can solve the problem and he got the equaliser. Not all actions will be great ones, and he has to make a difference from the few that he has. He has given a lot to the team and he did it again today, but the team also give a lot to Viktor. Today Sporting CP won. Viktor won and others, like David Moreira, who deserves it a lot, did too."

Ivan Fresneda and Matheus Reis
"They have already been training in that position that they played in. It makes the game different because we were losing and instead of creating imbalances with just Maxi Araújo or Geovany Quenda, we could create them with more players. Matheus and Ivan went through the channel more, we took a few more risks and we tried to create that dynamic."

Francisco Trincão
"His performance made me very proud. After working with the players, we have different feelings about them. Trincão has always been a great player and he deserves it. I told him to decide the game, because he deserves recognition in big games and finals. Throughout all the problems we went through, he never told me he was tired. He broke his hand and still played. I never saw him sad, I always saw him switched on. He is a very intelligent player. He is one of the best players in terms of his tactical reading of the game. Technically, he is above your average player and he is managing to combine this with the competitive side. I have no doubt that he will have a fantastic future."

Next season and the spirit at Sporting CP
"It's the same intention now: Make them believe that they are two-time champions. A difficult season is coming, but we want to rest. These past few months have been difficult and we need to make the most of the rest. Next season will be very difficult, but we all know that we are at a great club. We have a great family spirit at Sporting CP and I would like to say a few words to our fans. They have been fantastic and have the same spirit and confidence as we do. Today, we saw that the fans really believed that we were going to win, and that was passed on to our players. It's an achievement for everyone. We are all part of the Sporting CP family. This spirit is increasingly cemented at the club and long may it continue to be so."

Reviewing the season
"I couldn't ask for more. Only if we won the Taça da Liga, but we competed in that final too. We really wanted to be in the finals. We have always been there and we can only be proud. More than the results, our work has always spoken for us and will continue to do so. Nothing was gifted to me; I never won anything at other clubs. I came to Sporting CP because they saw us as a competent coaching team, with good ideas, and good people. That is what makes me most proud. I am sure that I am a good person because I had a very good upbringing. I want to send a kiss to my parents, who were here today and I am very happy to dedicate the victory to them. Since we've been here, we've taken this path together. We had to take decisions, which is part of the job, and we have always stuck together for Sporting CP. I want to give recognition to the medical team, which is clearly the best around and who do not do anything randomly. They deserve recognition from me because they were bombarded with doubts from people. They were very important in our achievements."