PROFILE | Diego Moreira rebuilds his career following Chelsea disappointment | OneFootball

Belgian wingback Diego Moreira has quickly risen to become one of the first names on the team sheet at RC Strasbourg Alsace since joining the BlueCo project back in July 2023 – originally at Chelsea, then moved on to Strasbourg on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. Unlike many players who have come into the first team via Chelsea, he has become somewhat of a fan favourite, with the team’s social media accounts regularly posting clips of Diego playing pranks on his teammates in the dressing room or at training. 

But it is more than just changing room popularity and a great sense of humour that has got the Strasbourg No.7 onto this list – he is one of the most up-and-coming wingbacks in France at the moment, and from what he has shown so far, he has the potential to go right to the very top of world football.

The tricky wingback has played in over 50 league games since joining Strasbourg back in 2024, and two of his three goals in blue and white have come against PSG and Marseille; he thrives in big games. He is a wingback that loves to drive the attack forward, averaging in the top 5% of fullbacks for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90. It is in the attacking phases of the game that Moreira truly comes to life, with his incredible pace and creative vision, he manages nearly three shot-creating actions per 90. 

Moreira’s market value on the rise

Moreira made his debut for the Belgian national team off the bench against Liechtenstein in September, following his first call-up to the Red Devils’ senior team in June 2025. This follows at least six years of football in the Portuguese youth setup, without a call-up to the seniors. He qualifies for both nations through being born in Liège (Belgium) and having Portuguese parentage, but it was Belgium who eventually chose to play senior football for. 

With a market value already over €20m, according to Fotmob, his stock is very much on the rise. Clubs that play an attacking, wing-focused style may be tempted to hedge their bets on the young Belgian this winter or the coming summer, although given Strasbourg’s ownership situation, it may prove difficult to prise him away. Regardless, it is quite the turnaround for the Belgian, whose career was at a crossroads when he departed from Chelsea.

GFFN | James Evans