The new signing promises to gives his all for Sporting CP

Rodrigo Zalazar had his official presentation as a new signing for Sporting Clube de Portugal on Thursday afternoon. One of the key players last season for SC Braga, with 23 goals and eight assists in 47 games, and having represented Uruguay at the World Cup, the attacking midfielder has signed a contract until 2031. His buyout clause is set at 80 million euros.

"I’m very happy to be here. From the first day I spoke with Sporting CP I knew I wanted to come here. They gave me a lot of confidence, I love the club and, as soon as this possibility arose, many people sent me messages encouraging me to come to the biggest club in Portugal," said the 26-year-old.

"It's a move that comes with great responsibility, because we're talking about a giant in world football -a spectacular club. I'm eager to show what I can do and help the team achieve their targets, which is the most important thing."

The player talked to club media at the Lisbon School of Hospitality and Tourism, where his presentation video was filmed.

"I've come here to try and win every trophy possible. I think we have a great team, we're going to demonstrate that and now we're going to prepare for it. I'm eager for everything to begin and I'm only thinking about giving my all in every training session and game to represent the club as they deserve. I will give everything I have and more for Sporting CP, for my teammates and for our fans.”

After an initial spell in Spain (at Albacete Balompié, San Félix CF and Málaga CF), the country where he was born, Zalazar signed with Eintracht Frankfurt, but it was during loan spells in Poland (at SSA Kolporter Korona Kielce) and Germany (at FC St. Pauli and Schalke 04) that he first stood out. He earned a permanent move to Schalke 04 and, after contributing to their promotion to the top flight, played in the Bundesliga in 2022/23.

He then went to Portugal and completed three high-level seasons at SC Braga, with 2025/26 a breakout season.

"It was a good season on a personal level, the one in which I stood out the most and managed to demonstrate all my qualities. It has given me complete confidence to come to Sporting CP. I will give everything to make this campaign just as successful -or even better. I want to help the team win, no matter the position I play. I want to do my part to help us win.”

Zalazar becomes the latest in a long line of Uruguayan players at Sporting CP, and hailed the role of compatriot Maxi Araújo as a great ally in this new adventure.

"He was the first person I spoke to, because he's a special person for me. We've known each other for many years and now, being able to experience everything he's achieving with him is a source of pride. He's an incredible person and player, and I'm happy to share that with him as well," he stated.

Finally, he also sent out a message to Sportinguistas. "Thank you for all the support you've given me. You can expect the best from me because I will give everything for the club and the fans. I’m a Sporting CP supporter like you, and I’m here to give everything I have.”

PLAYER BIO
Name: Rodrigo Zalazar Martínez
Date of birth: August 12th, 1999 (26 years old)
Nationality: Uruguayan and Spanish
Position: Attacking midfielder
Previous clubs: Eintracht Frankfurt, SSA Kolporter Korona Kielce (loan), FC St. Pauli (loan), Schalke 04, SC Braga
International for Uruguay