After historic title, Villas-Boas hails ‘proof of a new direction’ | OneFootball

André Villas-Boas commented on winning the National Under-15 Championship, a title that allowed FC Porto to complete, for the third time in its history, a clean sweep in Portuguese football, adding the trophies for under-15s, under-17s, under-19s and seniors in the same season.

In a lengthy message, the Dragons’ president did not hide the symbolic weight of this moment: «It is an undeniable milestone. An absolutely incredible achievement. And, above all, it is the confirmation of a truth that fills us with deep pride: FC Porto has once again asserted itself clearly, unmistakably and dominantly across every level of national football, from the senior team to the youth ranks.»

Villas-Boas also placed this achievement in the club’s history, recalling landmark seasons. «This clean sweep brings back memories of the triumphs of 1985/86 and 1997/98, historic feats that only FC Porto has managed to achieve in the history of Portuguese football», he stressed, underlining that this generation «adds its name to that rare gallery».

The executive also made a point of broadening the scope of the season, highlighting the overall performance of Porto’s structure. «In a season in which FC Porto also won the National Women’s Football Championship, earning promotion to the First League, and in which the B team had a brilliant season, matching the record points tally previously achieved», he said.

On the youth development front, Villas-Boas was unequivocal in pointing to a structural turning point at the club. «This clean sweep has an even deeper meaning: it is not just a historic achievement, it is also the confirmation of a change in direction, method and ambition in our youth development project», he said, recalling the recent path: «Since 2010/11, FC Porto had won only six of the 39 national titles available in the under-19, under-17 and under-15 age groups.»

The president offered broad praise to the entire structure, with particular emphasis on the work done in youth development. «My congratulations to all the players, coaches, technical staffs, employees, health and performance unit, scouting, and sporting and executive management», he said, highlighting José Tavares in particular: «On his return to FC Porto, he helped achieve this clean sweep in just two years of work.»

Villas-Boas also highlighted the role of the club’s different coaching staffs and structures, as well as the impact of the first-team coach. About Francesco Farioli, he said that he «led senior football with method, courage and a level of demand deeply aligned with what FC Porto is», adding that the title won «reflects the way he quickly understood the club, brought the group together and maximized

The Porto leader also reinforced the central role of youth development in the club’s project. «At FC Porto, youth development is not just a stepping stone. It is a strategic pillar. It is the sporting, economic and financial backbone of a club that wants to win today without mortgaging tomorrow», he said.

In the closing stretch, he left a message of pride and ambition, already looking to the future. «Being president of FC Porto at a moment like this is a source of enormous pride», he said, before assuring: «This level of excellence will not make us slow down. On the contrary: it will motivate us to do even better.» And he concluded with a strong idea about the season: «2025/26 will forever be the Year of the Dragon. The year of the clean sweep.»

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.