Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.
"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."
Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."
Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown
You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.
“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."
Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.
“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."
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
The story of Salvador Blopa and Gabriel Silva began long before they both reached professional football. They grew up together at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, won trophies at youth level, and climbed the ladder side-by-side.
Of the 31 players called up for the training camp this week in the Algarve, 15 were part of the youth system at Sporting CP. Blopa and Silva spoke about this and more in an extensive interview.
Responsibility
"We're not wearing just any badge on our chests. We're representing Sporting Clube de Portugal, which for me is the best club in Portugal and in the world. It's a huge vote of confidence they've given to us," Blopa said.
"It's a source of pride for me, because I've always had the ambition to be among the best and now I'm here, among them. It also means that Sporting CP are investing in youth development, that we have very talented players who deserve at least to have an opportunity. We appreciate the chance that coach Rui Borges has given us and we can only promise more work and dedication."
Silva echoed his teammate's words, saying "It's another responsibility. Since I was little I trained on those pitches at the training ground, I went up through the ranks, and now being able to reach the main team is very rewarding. Now, it's about maintaining focus and giving our best for our club.”
"I feel very grateful to be here. It's gratifying to debut like this, in my city," acknowledged the striker, a starter in the match against the Celtic in his native Algarve.
From the Algarve to Lisbon
"From a young age I made these trips to the capital and started to adapt. With the sacrifice and the enjoyment of playing for Sporting CP, everything became easier. I trained here in the Algarve during the week and then, on the weekend, I went to Sporting CP’s facilities in Lisbon, played the game, and returned to the Algarve at night. It was a beautiful thing because we would arrive there, have lunch all together, and go to the game all together. Afterwards, we would still stay there playing football when the pitch was empty. It's something I'll never forget," recalled Silva.
Keeping their feet firmly on the ground
Blopa made his official debut at Alvalade in a Taça da Liga match against Alverca, followed by games in the UEFA Champions League and Liga Portugal last season.
"I always had it in my head that I had to do my job, day after day, whether on the pitch, in the gym or at home. I had no idea it would happen so quickly, but it must have been for a reason. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Sporting CP have given me, for the confidence that the coaches have placed in me and I feel very happy. I will always give my best, whether in training or in games. I only promise more work, more dedication and even more effort on my part," underlined Blopa.
Support from the club
Both guarantee that the atmosphere in the group facilitates the integration of the younger players. For Gabriel Silva, the daily interaction with players he has watched representing the main team also constitutes an additional source of motivation.
"It gives me another boost to give my best, to play well. There is responsibility, of course, but I think it will help me a lot," he stated.
Blopa also highlighted the importance of the lessons he receives from his more experienced teammates.
"They pass on the advice they were given when they were my age: not to rush and to take it easy, confident that everything will come naturally, that it's not something forced. It will happen in its own time.”
Mutual admiration
The bond between the two remains intact. They grew up together, have known each other for many years, and closely follow each other's progress.
"I feel proud because he's another teammate from my generation who's here in the first team. I feel he's working well and that the coach is very confident in him. I hope he seizes the chance with everything he's got. Gabriel is a natural centre forward, he really likes to score goals, he has that drive to put the ball in the net. He could pass the ball a little more, but he still provides a lot of assists. He's a great player and he still has a lot more to offer," Blopa explained.
"Salvador is a very physically strong player. He needs to take advantage of his speed even more. I was very happy with his debut. I couldn't go to the stadium to watch the game, but I immediately sent him a message afterwards," Silva recalled.
A generation that continues to grow
It's no coincidence that the 2007 generation continues to stand out.
"We've always had good players, like [Geovany] Quenda, [João] Simões, Flávio [Gonçalves], but I think it comes a lot from the camaraderie we have,” said Blopa.
Silva also believes that this friendship explains much of the success that these young men are beginning to achieve.
"It was a generation that put in a great sacrifice. We always got along very well, and there are many quality players, whether they are here now or not. I believe that one day they too can be here like us," he predicted.
The idols of the future
"It's a source of pride. When I was the younger players’ age, I was also inspired by the players who were already here, like Nuno Mendes and Eduardo [Quaresma]. I was very inspired by them, and nowadays we are the ones inspiring other kids who are in the youth system. I just tell them to be patient. It could happen tomorrow or in a few weeks. When it's meant to be, it will be," advised Blopa.
Silva reinforced the message. "Talent alone isn't enough to be a player. Every time we step onto the pitch we have to be hardworking players, and always give our best in every training session. That's what makes the difference.”
Blopa continued by saying: "I can't forget those who helped me, because there were times in my development when I wasn't playing and they always advised me not to give up. People like Mr. Aurélio [Pereira], Dr. Aida [Ramos], my friends, those closest to me. So far it's going well, but it can still go much better, and I'm always very, very grateful, also to Mr. Tomaz [Morais], who always said, ‘Salvador, it's not how it starts, it's always how it ends.’”
Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated Scottish champions Celtic 4-1 in a preseason friendly, through a brace from Daniel Bragança and further goals from Geny Catamo and Ricardo Mangas.
Playing in front of thousands of Sportinguistas for the first time this summer, the team debuted their new home kit -which had been revealed on Monday.
Rui Borges’ side were the more cohesive throughout the first half, creating danger as early as the 6th minute: Mangas combined with Flávio Gonçalves and Gabriel Silva before finding himself in a great position and shooting with his weaker foot, striking the ball into the hands of opposition goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
After another attack by Mangas, Sporting CP had an even better opportunity in the 13th minute. Following a clever recovery by Sergi Altimira in the defensive midfield, a counter-attack allowed Pedro Gonçalves to isolate Catamo, but the eventual shot went just wide.
Despite the normal slower pace and intensity of this stage of preseason, Sporting CP managed to turn things up and take a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Flávio Gonçalves worked well in midfield and released Silva down the right flank, and he made a run to set up Catamo to score.
Before halftime, with the help of the fans who made themselves heard throughout, Sporting CP had an opportunity through Pedro Gonçalves in the 38th minute and then a low shot from distance by Catamo that whistled wide.
At the other end, Paulo Bernardo had a chance after a mix-up from a corner, but Eduardo Quaresma headed clear.
For the second half, Rui Borges replaced Pedro Gonçalves, Geny Catamo, and Souleymane Faye with Silas Andersen, Luís Guilherme, and Georgios Vagiannidis. Three minutes after the restart, from a magical moment from Flávio Gonçalves, Gabriel Silva came close, but Sinisalo made another save.
Shortly after, Mangas shot over the bar, and in the 53rd minute, Luís Guilherme sent in a tremendous cross into the area, although it wasn't effectively finished. The Brazilian then set up Flávio Gonçalves, who shot into the side netting.
Sporting CP dominated, but Celtic FC capitalised on one of the few mistakes made to threaten: In the 58th minute, João Virgínia had to respond to Luke McCowan's chance with a superb save.
With half an hour remaining, Sergi Altimira, Flávio Gonçalves, Issa Doumbia, and Gabriel Silva were replaced by Pedro Lima, Jesse Derry, Daniel Bragança, and Rafael Nel.
Against the flow of the game, and immediately after a curling shot by Luís Guilherme that did not find its way in, Celtic FC equalised in the 69th minute. Camilo Durán got the goal for the Hoops.
However, Sporting's response was swift: Three goals between the 72nd and 79th minutes. The lead was restored by Daniel Bragança, who capitalised on pressure from a defensive error provoked by Rafael Nel to score.
This was followed by persistent play from Luís Guilherme, who set up Mangas for his second goal, making it 3-1.
The final goal of the match also saw Luís Guilherme involved, with a great run down the right, and Daniel Bragança finished well to seal the 4-1 victory.
Jesse Derry shot off target in stoppage time, having made his debut in unofficial action.
Sporting CP remain in the Algarve for their preseason training camp, and will play next on Monday, July 20th, against French side RC Strasbourg.
The new signing speaks after the friendly against Celtic
Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's 4-1 victory over Celtic FC, Jesse Derry reacted to his first unofficial appearance.
"It's been fantastic. All the players have welcomed me very well. It's unbelievable. Being in front of the fans today was a surreal moment. They were tremendous and I can't wait for more,” he told the media.
"There are some new players here and the language barrier can sometimes be tricky, but I'm learning and the guys have been fantastic. I want to play more games and take more Portuguese lessons, so I can talk to everyone," he added.
“The way Sporting CP plays helps a lot with my style of play. Liga Portugal is fantastic. I'm privileged to, hopefully, be able to play in this league soon. And the fans are fantastic. I can't wait to play at the Estádio José Alvalade," he stated.
Against Celtic FC, Derry wore the number 28 shirt, the same number used by Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Alvalade. He confirmed the choice wasn't accidental: "Cristiano Ronaldo is an idol for everyone, and wearing his number is a privilege," he revealed.
"The players here are unbelievable, everything is so fast. At the end of today's game, with this weather as well, I was out of breath -but it's been very good."
Finally, Derry mentioned coach Rui Borges: "He's phenomenal. As you saw today, the team played very well against a good team like Celtic. I think we can have a good season."
The team get ready for their friendly against Celtic FC
Sporting Clube de Portugal held another session on Monday morning, at their training camp in the Algarve.
Under the guidance of Rui Borges and the rest of the coaching staff, the players continued their preparations for the upcoming season. Next up for them is a friendly against Scottish side Celtic FC at 5:30pm on Tuesday, at the Estádio Algarve. Tickets are available here.
The squad head south to prepare for the new season
The Sporting CP first team arrived in Lagos, Algarve, on Saturday night, for what has become a preseason tradition. The squad will remain there for a camp through to July 20th.
João Virgínia, Diego Callai, Guilherme Pires, Francisco Silva, Iván Fresneda, Afonso Lee, Rafael Mota, Eduardo Felicíssimo, Eduardo Quaresma, Rodrigo Dias, Ricardo Mangas, Georgios Vagiannidis, Nuno Santos, Silas Andersen, Issa Doumbia, Sergi Altimira, Pedro Lima, João Simões, Daniel Bragança, Pedro Gonçalves, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Salvador Blopa, Luis Guilherme, Flávio Gonçalves, Mauro Couto, Geny Catamo, Souleymane Faye, Jesse Derry, Fotis Ioannidis, Gabriel Silva and Rafael Nel are the 31 players who accompanied Rui Borges in the training camp.
The team will also play two friendly games at the Estádio do Algarve Stadium. The first will be against the Scottish champions Celtic FC (on July 14th), followed by another against French side RC Strasbourg on July 20th.
Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed Jesse Derry on loan from Chelsea FC for the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old English winger began his career as part of Crystal Palace's youth system before moving to Chelsea last summer. In his debut season for them, he excelled for the Under-21 and Under-19 teams, earning him the opportunity to debut for the first team in both the FA Cup and the Premier League.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Derry played 33 games, scored 12 goals and provided four assists.
At the British Bar, a British-inspired pub located in Lisbon, the versatile attacker gave his first interview as a Sporting CP player.
"It's an incredible feeling. I'm really looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing in front of all the fans. I can't wait to get started. My first reaction when I heard of Sporting CP’s interest, I was very excited,” he told the club’s media.
"When I think of Sporting CP, I think of players who wow the fans and young players. Coming here was a very easy decision. It means everything to be here. I know how much this club represents to Sportinguistas and I'm prepared to always give my best. I know that Sporting CP creates different kinds of players, capable of expressing themselves on the pitch. I feel it will be the perfect place for me," he underlined.
Accompanied by his family, Derry has already taken the opportunity to visit some of the most emblematic places in the Portuguese capital, but confesses to being anxious to join up with his new team.
"I feel very good. It's a new city and, in these first few days, I've been taking advantage of the opportunity to start exploring it. I'm also eager to start working with all the players and the coach.”
“I like to excite the fans, express myself, and score goals. There's always room for improvement. I hope playing in front of the fans here will help me evolve week after week. I can't wait,” he added.
"I decided to come to Sporting CP to try and help the club win trophies. I know that's the main ambition here and that's what I want to do too. I can't wait to get out there at the stadium. I've heard incredible things about the Estádio José Alvalade and it will certainly be a surreal feeling when I step onto the pitch for the first time.”
"I'm excited about everything. I've already been told I'll be taking Portuguese lessons so I can communicate as best as possible with the fans and the players. I can't wait to get on the pitch and see everybody,” he concluded.
PLAYER STATS
Name: Jesse Shaun Derry Date of Birth: 30/06/2007 (19 years old) Nationality: English Position: Winger Previous clubs: Crystal Palace FC and Chelsea FC International for England at youth level
Sporting Clube de Portugal played a friendly game against SCU Torreense on Thursday at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match was divided into two 40-minute halves, with Sporting CP winning 2-0 through goals from Silas Anderson and Daniel Bragança -both scored in the second half.
Rui Borges fielded a starting lineup of João Virgínia, Eduardo Felicíssimo, Eduardo Quaresma, Ricardo Mangas, Souleymane Faye, Sergi Altimira, Flávio Gonçalves, Geny Catamo, Issa Doumbia, Gabriel Silva, and Pedro Gonçalves.
On Saturday, the team head to the Algarve for their preseason training camp.
