Martim Fernandes

Born in Valongo, Martim Fernandes made his professional debut on August 7, 2022, for the B team, against Covilhã, and played his first minutes for the first team in October of the following year, in the Portuguese Cup, against Vilar de Perdizes. The good performance was backed up by some remarkable statements: ‘It was the first time I've had fans truly supporting me and it's always important to have fans who love the club the same way we love FC Porto on and off the pitch.’ Honoured at the 36th Golden Dragons gala with the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year award, the young defender, trained at Olival, made 24 FC Porto B appearances in 2023/24 and scored a goal against Feirense in matchday 26 of the second league. In the Youth League - a competition in which he made his debut at the age of 15 - he proved to be a key player and was a starter in eight games on the journey that only ended in the semi-finals. From Nyon, he went straight into matchday 31 of the Portuguese League against Sporting, where he assisted Pepê in a two-goal tie. This was followed by starts against SC Braga, Boavista and Chaves before his contribution in extra time of the Portuguese Cup final, again against Sporting, earned him his first senior title. His success on the pitch led British newspaper The Guardian to name him one of the 60 most promising youngsters of his generation.