Kiwior shines at FC Porto, goes 19 matches without a booking

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Portal dos Dragões

·14 Desember 2025

Kiwior shines at FC Porto, goes 19 matches without a booking

One of the major 'upgrades' for FC Porto this season was the quality of the summer market signings, especially in the central defense axis. Bednarek, Prpic, and particularly Kiwior have brought more security to a crucial sector in Francesco Farioli's defensive approach, something reflected in the team's statistics for 2025/2026.

Among those who have shone the most, Kiwior stands out. The 25-year-old center-back arrived from Arsenal to Dragão on loan until June 30, 2026, for a fee of two million euros. The agreement with the 'Gunners' includes an option for the definitive purchase of registration rights and 100% of economic rights for €17 million, plus a maximum variable amount of €5 million subject to objectives. This clause can be activated by FC Porto or by Arsenal, which will also retain a fixed amount of €2 million in a potential future sale.

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It is a significant investment that the board chaired by André Villas-Boas will have to realize at the end of the season, but Kiwior has met expectations. Since his arrival, he has stood out for his effectiveness on the field and an impressive statistic: in the 19 matches played in 2025/2026 – 14 for FC Porto and five for the Polish national team – he has not received a single yellow card.

The Polish international imposes himself with authority in duels, rarely resorts to fouling, and seeks to play out from the back, benefiting from a pass above the average for center-backs playing in Portugal. His arrival enhances the national championship: he left London in search of more minutes, despite Mikel Arteta's attempts to keep him in Arsenal's squad.

Kiwior quickly won over the demanding blue and white universe and adapted swiftly to the group's mystique, strengthening a sector that had shown weaknesses in the previous season. Alongside compatriot Bednarek, he forms one of the most consistent central duos in the Portuguese League – FC Porto has conceded only three goals in 13 league matches so far – and, in the 14 matches he has played under Francesco Farioli, he has helped keep a clean sheet on ten occasions. The exceptions were the defeats against Nottingham Forest (2-0), Moreirense (2-1), SC Braga (2-1), and Malmö (2-1).

Besides defensive solidity, Kiwior is also useful offensively: he intervenes in set-piece situations – he was involved in the first goal in the 2-0 victory in Tondela – and, with his quality passing, he knows how to launch teammates in depth and break down low opponent blocks. The ball almost always leaves his left foot 'tele-guided,' rarely missing a pass or leaving his zone unprotected. From what he has shown since signing for the Dragons, Kiwior is synonymous with security, and the investment the board may make next summer should translate into sporting returns. He is, without a doubt, an excellent center-back.

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