Portuguese starlet Joao Simões living his dream at Sporting CP | OneFootball

João Simões battles for possession with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos during Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Estádio José Alvalade. (Photo: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

From the long bus journeys between the Algarve and Lisbon to the dream realised at the José Alvalade stadium, João Simões is now one of the faces of the new generation in Portugal.

Born in Portimão, he joined Sporting’s youth ranks in 2018/19, and tremendous progress has seen the young midfielder make himself a regular in the Lions’ midfield while still a teenager, unnerved about facing the very best as attested by his superb display in Sporting’s 2-1 victory over European champions PSG on Tuesday.

In an interview with Flashscore, Simões talked about his football journey from the Algarve to the famous Alcochete Academy, and subsequent rise into Sporting’s first team and Portugal’s youth side.

How did you get to Sporting?

“I started playing for Silves and then went to Portimonense. At Portimonense they called me up for a trial, the first time in 2014. Everything went well and from then on I started taking part in tournaments. In 2018/2019, I started travelling with Gabriel Silva every Saturday by bus from Portimão to Lisbon.

“We’d catch the bus at half past eight in Albufeira or Portimão. We’d get here, play at 3pm, get back at 6.30pm and get home around 10pm. This went on for three years, until we arrived at the academy at Under-14 level, where I began to live here.”

You were a Sporting fan, right? So you were fulfilling a dream?

“Yes, I am and it was always a dream to come to Sporting. Of course, it required a lot of adaptation and sacrifice. Being away from my family was difficult, but the dream spoke louder. I always told my parents that I wanted to come here, and I didn’t let the difficulties get to me. I knew I was fighting for my dream and theirs too, because my happiness is their happiness. So I came here with a clear head, knowing that everything I was doing would pay off.”

How do you define the Sporting Academy and the work that is done here?

“It’s incredible. The academy gives us everything we need to make it into the first team. In every sector. We have access to everything: training, the gym, psychological and educational counselling, food, everything. The space is designed to keep you focused. That helps a lot. The whole structure is set up to train more and more youngsters for the first team.

“And we are like brothers. We socialise, have dinner together... there were about 50 or 60 of us. All with the same dream of making the first team. We always tried to help each other, because that’s the only way we could make it.”

João Simões is a regular in Portugal’s youth teams (photo: FPF)

You have over 50 international caps at the various youth levels. What does it mean to you to represent Portugal, knowing that you were brought up in this academy?

“Representing the national team is the pinnacle. It’s the highest honour for anyone who plays for their country. It’s a source of pride and a great responsibility, because as well as representing the nation, I’m representing my parents and friends. We all dream of reaching the senior team, knowing that it’s very difficult, but that’s the goal.”

You went straight from the youth team to the B team. How was that transition?

“It was after the European Championship. I played about nine games with the B team and then I was called up by Mister Amorim to train with the first team. Since then, thank God, I’ve stayed until today.”

How did you receive the news that you were going to train with the first team?

“It’s about appreciation, but a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you don’t even realise what the senior team is. It was an enormous joy. Seeing players like Morten (Hjulmand), Morita, Dani (Bragança), Nuno (Santos), Pote or Trincão, who have a history at the club, was a source of pride.

“For those of us who looked at them as fans, it was special. It was also a good shock to realise that they are normal people and that one day I too can make history at Sporting. The group welcomed me very well from day one. It’s customary for youth players to train with the first team, which makes it easier to adapt and brings the two groups closer together.”

Looking at the B team and the levels below, do you think there are more players capable of reaching your level?

“Absolutely. Quenda and I often go to watch the U-13 and U-14 games, and there are kids with a lot of quality who could make it into the first team. It’s a long road, but you can see a lot of talent. It’s incredible.”

And do you talk to the younger players?

"Yes, every day. I ask them how they’re doing, how school is going, I give them advice and sometimes I give them a hard time when I need to. It’s important to remember where I came from and to be there for them. We’re normal people. And I put myself in their shoes and I’d like someone from the first team to come and talk to me.”

Is that spirit part of Sporting’s DNA?

“Absolutely. There’s a lot of mutual support, we’re all brothers. The group is very united and that’s reflected on the pitch. The values are very well defined.”

You signed a professional contract in February 2023. How did you feel at that moment?

“It was a dream come true, but it doesn’t mean the road is done. It’s a long journey, with many difficulties. A lot of people try to make it and don’t succeed. You have to keep your feet on the ground, take it easy and listen to the experts. Only by listening to your elders can you get there.”

João Simões talks to Flashscore at Sporting CP’s Cristiano Ronaldo Academy

You scored your first goal for the first team against Nacional. Was that a special moment?

“Yes, very special. You can tell from my reaction that it was something very important. Scoring is always the aim of the game, and doing it for the club of your heart, in Alvalade, with your family in the stands, and hearing your name in the stadium, is indescribable. It was like a dream straight off the telly. I’m very grateful.”

What about your studies? Are you still studying?

“Yes, I finished my 12th grade and went to university, at the FMH, to study Sports Science.”

Do you feel you it will be useful in the future when you finish your playing career?

“Absolutely. You never know what tomorrow will bring. A footballer’s career is short and knowledge never takes up space.

“Sporting provides incredible support – pedagogy, psychology, supervision – and shapes men as well as footballers. In the end, the career is over and the most important thing is the human being. The values you learn here stay with you for life.”