“At FC Porto, celebrating is a moment, winning is a commitment” | OneFootball

I congratulate the basketball team on winning the National Championship, a title that had eluded us for 10 years and that now returns to the place where we wanted to see it: in the hands of our athletes, at the Dragão Arena, before a sea of members who pushed, believed, and made the difference.

This title did not come by chance. It was not the result of luck. It was work. It was resilience. It was overcoming adversity. It was a team that kept reinventing itself several times throughout the season, hit by injuries, unforeseen setbacks, and challenges that could have shaken many groups, but ultimately made this one stronger. This team believed more and more. It suffered, reacted, grew, and reached the decisive moment with the soul of those who know what it means to wear this shirt.

Our players were outstanding. They were heroes. Heroes in the way they competed, in the way they sacrificed themselves, and in the way they never stopped believing it was possible to bring this title back to FC Porto. Congratulations to all the athletes, the coaching staff, the support teams, the medical departments, performance staff, everyone who stood by this group every day and who worked, often behind the scenes, so that today we could celebrate.

A very special word for Fernando Sá. After winning several titles in this club as a player, he now wins his first National Championship as FC Porto’s coach. It is a beautiful, fair, and deeply Porto moment. Fernando experienced the demands of this club on the court and knew how to carry them to the bench, leading with competence, courage, and composure a team that never surrendered to difficulties.

This title also bears the work and commitment of Mário Santos, General Director of Sports, and Alberto Babo, Board Member for professional sports, who worked tirelessly on the renewal of this team and on creating the conditions for FC Porto to become National Basketball Champions once again. My recognition also extends to Paulo Cunha, Fernando Santos, and everyone who is part of this structure and who, with high standards and dedication, helps keep the ambition of our sports alive.

I want to dedicate this achievement to Pedro Machado, a young player from FC Porto’s basketball academy, who fought cancer throughout the season and who today is also crowned National Champion. Pedro was, and is, an example of determination, courage, and strength. He inspired us all. This title is yours too, Pedro.

The atmosphere at the Dragão Arena was incredible. Our supporters were decisive. When FC Porto is united, when the stands believe, when the energy carries onto the field, we are capable of surpassing ourselves. This title also belongs to all Porto supporters who filled the Dragão Arena with passion, high standards, and faith.

Thus ends a season of the highest level in FC Porto’s professional sports. Alongside the National Basketball Championship came the Roller Hockey Champions League and the Women’s National Volleyball Championship, in a year in which we also celebrated a historic clean sweep in football. Today we celebrate Porto identity, pride, and a commitment to victory that honors us in a unique way.

At FC Porto, celebrating is a moment. Winning is a commitment. Today we should celebrate, and properly so, but always with our eyes on the future: on building teams that are ever stronger, ever more competitive, and ever more capable of honoring our colors.

Congratulations, Champions.

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