Lisbon’s new Lions: meet Sporting’s most promising young talents | OneFootball

There is something undeniably magical happening once again in Lisbon. For decades, Sporting Clube de Portugal has built a reputation not just as a football club, but as a true talent factory — a place where raw potential is polished, where the bold become extraordinary, and where the next generation of stars seems to emerge as if by destiny. From Luís Figo to Cristiano Ronaldo, from Ricardo Quaresma to Nani, the club has never stopped producing players who define eras. And as we enter a new cycle, the signs are clear: a new wave of lions is emerging.

Today, a new generation of Sporting players is capturing attention not only in Portugal, but across Europe. They are young, dynamic, technically advanced, and shaped by a modern philosophy that combines Sporting’s tradition with the tactical demands of today’s football. These are the players who could define the club’s future — and perhaps the future of European football itself. Welcome to the New Lions of Lisbon.

A Legacy That Never Sleeps

The Sporting Academy in Alcochete remains one of the most respected in the world. What makes it special is not just the modern facilities or the competence of the coaches, but the philosophy that brings it to life. The club believes that technique, intelligence, and resilience are the pillars of a successful career. Youngsters are not just prepared to be athletes — they are taught to think the game, to lead, and to grow as professionals both on and off the field.

From the youngest age groups, players are immersed in a culture where the ball is the protagonist and the game is taught as a living puzzle. As they progress, they are exposed to increasingly complex tactical concepts, preparing them not only for Sporting’s first team but also for the demands of elite European football. At the same time, the club cultivates mental discipline, competitive spirit, and carefully monitored physical development — a commitment to excellence that even brands like VERSUSbet Casino recognize and value in national sports. This environment has produced extraordinary generations — and the next promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.

Gonçalo Inácio — The Left-Footed Maestro

Gonçalo Inácio represents elegance and intelligence. Trained in Alcochete, Inácio is the mirror of what Sporting wants to create: intelligence, calmness, and technical quality. As a left-footed center-back, he offers Sporting a unique and extremely valuable ability to build from the back in modern football.

Inácio reads the game exceptionally well. He understands moments of pressure, anticipates opponents’ movements, and positions himself with the maturity of someone who has seen it all. On the ball, he is naturally fluid — switching flanks with ease, finding inside lines, and giving Sporting a structural security that is hard to replace. For Portugal, he is already a promising piece. For Sporting, he is the silent brain of the defense — a player who personifies the club’s identity.

Eduardo Quaresma — The Green and White Soul

Although not an undisputed starter for Sporting, Eduardo Quaresma has a very special relationship with the green and white universe. The center-back, trained at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy, has seen his journey in the first team marked by ups and downs, moving from an undisputed starter to the bench.

In 2024/25, Eduardo Quaresma wrote one of the brightest moments of his history at Sporting. In the penultimate round of the National Championship, with the score tied at one, the center-back, with a well-placed shot from outside the box, scored the winning goal after the 90th minute — a goal that would prove decisive for the back-to-back championship. At 23 years old, the boy raised in Alcochete has everything it takes to establish himself in green and white.

Geovany Quenda — Street Football at Its Finest

With a trip to London scheduled at the end of the season, heading to Chelsea in a deal that will bring around 50 million euros to Sporting’s coffers, Geovany Quenda continues to spread magic wearing the lions’ shirt. The winger tries to follow in the footsteps of names like Luís Figo, Nani, or Cristiano Ronaldo.

After a breakthrough season in the first team, the 18-year-old has been living up to all the hopes placed in him. As of today, Geovany Quenda already has one more goal than in 24/25 (4 versus 3) and the same number of assists (6). The winger promises to be an important piece in the quest for a third consecutive championship.

João Simões — The New Engine of Sporting’s Midfield

Amidst a true plague of injuries, João Simões emerged as a real breath of fresh air for Sporting fans. With an energy that few display on the pitch, the midfielder trained at Sporting was struck by misfortune and was injured for the rest of the season, but not even that brought him down.

In 2025/26, even with the arrival of reinforcement Giorgi Kochorashvili, João Simões has been establishing himself as a starter in Rui Borges’ squad. In Naples, in the Champions League, the 18-year-old midfielder showed enormous personality, and that was the starting point for many joys he will surely bring to the Sporting universe.

Inside Alcochete — Where Excellence Is Born

What unites this generation is not just their individual qualities, but the environment that shaped them. In Alcochete, Sporting invests in long-term development. Youngsters are encouraged to think the game, understand different scenarios, and develop creativity as a competitive tool.

Training sessions prioritize ball circulation, pressing concepts, and positional awareness. The club also invests in advanced analytics, performance monitoring, and individualized physical programs. The result? Complete, confident players ready for any system.

A Generation Already Making Noise

The main difference between this generation and those of the past is their immediate impact. These youngsters are not just promises — they are realities. They are already contributing to victories, taking charge in big games, and attracting attention from all over Europe.

Between the elegance of Gonçalo Inácio, the soul of Eduardo Quaresma, the street football of Geovany Quenda, and the engine of João Simões, something special is happening. Something you don’t see every year.

The Future Roars Loud

With Rui Borges at the helm, Sporting is experiencing a period of affirmation. These young talents will be the protagonists of that journey. Some will leave for astronomical sums; others may become club icons. But all carry the same DNA — the courage and ambition that have made Sporting one of the most respected academies in the world. The new lions have arrived. And Lisbon can already hear them roar.

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