Tiago Almeida says Sporting traitor should go to the World Cup | OneFootball

Comedian Tiago Almeida raised the possibility of João Moutinho being part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. On the Jogo pelo Jogo podcast, the discussion divided opinion, but the well-known Sporting supporter argued that the former Alvalade club midfielder’s experience could be an asset.

“I don’t think it’s completely far-fetched for Moutinho to go to the World Cup. He’s still playing, but I also think he’s no longer at the same level. Ricardo Carvalho was a similar case — he was no longer really up to playing, but he was an institutional reference point”, he said.

The comedian gave an example: “In a game against Spain, around the 78th minute, you bring on an experienced player to hold things down, to slow the game. Moutinho does that well, he has that ability. Am I lying? I don’t know who I’d take off, but...”

It should be remembered that João Moutinho started out at Portimonense and moved to Alcochete when he was just 13 years old. It was at Sporting that the midfielder completed his entire development, having represented the Lions’ first team in the 2004/05 season. He was with the Lions for six seasons.

After several years in green and white, the midfielder swapped Alvalade for the Dragão. Although the move happened 20 years ago, Sporting fans have not forgotten, and whenever he plays in Lisbon, he is booed. He made 259 appearances and recorded 37 goals and 27 assists for Sporting (Look back at his journey).

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