FC Porto sign professional contract with Matteo Ferreira | OneFootball

Matteo Ferreira, a center-back of just 16, has signed his first professional contract with FC Porto, securing his stay at the club for a second consecutive season, the Dragons announced on their official website.

The defender, who is from Luxembourg, will join the under-17 squad and sees his performances rewarded after scoring three goals for the under-16s last season.

“It’s a very good feeling. It’s a source of pride to be here representing this club. I’m very happy to sign this professional contract; it shows that the club trusts me, and that is all the result of my work. I’ve worked very hard over the years, far from my family, and I’m very happy to be living this moment,” he told the Blue and Whites’ media channels.

Aware of the demands ahead, Matteo Ferreira faces the next “very difficult years” with determination, without losing his humility.

“There are always players competing at the same level as me, but I want to always stay humble and only think about working to achieve my goals,” he stressed.

His love of football began when he was three years old. In defense, he points to Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho as his main role models: “I really like the way they played, and I identify with the ambition, grit and leadership they showed on the pitch. I identify with them a lot.”

In the 2025/26 season, playing for the under-16s, Matteo Ferreira scored three goals. One of them had special meaning for the young player. “My first goal, against Portalegrense, meant a lot. We were losing 0-1, and I even ended up scoring two goals in that game, but that first one was a very emotional moment,” he recalled.

For 2026/27, the center-back intends to focus on the team and continue to develop. As for the future, he does not hide his preference: “I want it to be here at FC Porto. Either way, I’m happy here.” He also left the fans with a promise: “They can expect the same Matteo as always, focused on working, humble, never giving up on his dreams, and determined to help others.”

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