Valdo: FC Porto clear favourites to win Primeira Liga | OneFootball

Bola na Rede spoke exclusively with Valdo, former Benfica legend and Brazilian national team star. The ex-player commented on the Primeira Liga, the arrival of José Mourinho, and the prospects of the Portuguese and Brazilian national teams.

Bola na Rede: What is your assessment of the Primeira Liga so far?

Valdo: I think this edition of the Primeira Liga will be even more competitive than the last one, which was already interesting. FC Porto is looking very strong; Benfica managed to counter their influence at the Dragão, but in my opinion, the blue and whites are the team playing the most consistent and highest-level football. Sporting remains a solid team, they are the reigning champions, and I think they will find their way again. I like the work Rui Borges is doing. The draw at the Dragão revived Benfica fans and restored their belief that the team can approach the league differently. There will be a fight until the end, but, looking at it objectively, I consider FC Porto the big favorite.

Valdo: Yes. Mourinho needs no introduction. He has remarkable communication skills and does things that only he can do. He has already proven his worth wherever he has been, and I sincerely believe that under José Mourinho's guidance we will see a different Benfica, as has already been evident.

Bola na Rede: We are at the City of Football, in an environment full of names linked to national sports. How do you foresee Portugal's performance in the next two games?

Valdo: Portugal is calm. Without any demagoguery, it is now one of the best teams in the world and a contender for the title. You see Portuguese players in most of the big clubs in Europe and around the world, and when that's not the case, they are often coached by Portuguese managers. I believe Portugal should get through these two games without problems and will be a force at the World Cup.

Bola na Rede: To finish, you are Brazilian and an important figure in the national team’s past. How do you see Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

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