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

Bola na Rede spoke exclusively with Valdo, a former glory of Benfica and the Brazilian national team. 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 previous one, which was already interesting. FC Porto presents itself very strong; Benfica managed to counter their influence at the Dragão, but in my opinion, the blue and whites are the team that plays the most consistent and highest-level football. Sporting remains a solid team, they are the reigning champions, and I think they will find their path again. I like Rui Borges' work. The draw at the Dragão re-energized Benfica fans and restored their belief that the team can approach the championship differently. There will be a fight until the end, but, looking at it coldly, 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 observed.

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

Valdo: Portugal is calm. Without demagoguery, it is today one of the best teams in the world and a contender for the title. There is a presence of Portuguese in most of the major clubs in Europe and the world, and when that is not the case, they are often coached by Portuguese managers. I believe Portugal should overcome these two games without problems and will have an impact in the World Cup.

Bola na Rede: To conclude, you are Brazilian and an important figure in the national team in the past. How do you see Brazil for the 2026 World Cup?

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