FC Porto and FC Cincinnati have signed a cooperation protocol and are now strategic partners in the European and North American markets. According to Michele Montesi, FC Porto’s Chief Strategy Officer, the partnership between the two clubs “is based on four pillars covering the sporting area, namely scouting and best practices for identifying new talent in high-growth markets,” and “also includes player development and academy development projects, data sharing, and best practices in the area of health.”

Jeff Berding “was looking for a partner in Europe and a club that was a pioneer in best practices,” and therefore did not want to miss “a unique opportunity to develop something very valuable and long-lasting for both clubs to grow together.” Side by side with “a historic European football club,” the president of FC Cincinnati also revealed that the partnership focuses on “athlete development, scouting, data analysis, sports science, performance, market opportunities, and training centers.”

Michele Montesi, Chief Strategy Officer of FC Porto

International expansion
“This partnership is a fundamental step within the strategic plan of the FC Porto Group. International expansion is one of the pillars of the Club’s growth and development in the medium and long term.”

The different dimensions of the protocol
“This agreement is based on four pillars that cover the sporting area, namely scouting and best practices for identifying new talent in high-growth markets. It also includes player development and academy development projects, data sharing, and best practices in the area of health. In addition, it opens up opportunities for FC Porto to expand its brand and take advantage of new commercial opportunities.”

Arrival in the USA
“This partnership is beneficial for FC Porto in several ways, starting with the sporting aspect, as it is established with a benchmark club in a fast-growing market such as the North American one. In terms of development and brand growth opportunities, it is one of the most relevant markets in world football and also allows us to strengthen our connection with our fans on North American soil.”

Jeff Berding, President of FC Cincinnati

European ally
“FC Cincinnati was looking for a partner in Europe and for a club that was a pioneer in best practices, because we are a young club, founded ten years ago, and we want to take advantage of every opportunity to grow and learn on the European continent. We knew that FC Porto was focused on the North American market and looking for a strategic partner, and we initiated contact through a mutual friend. From there, there was a rapprochement during the Club World Cup, while FC Porto was in the United States, and after some time it became clear that this was the right match and a unique opportunity to develop something very valuable and long-lasting for both clubs to grow together.”

Key points
“The foundation of this agreement is the values we share with FC Porto, which will allow us to improve in athlete development, scouting, data analysis, sports science, performance, market opportunities, and also in training centers.”

An international giant
“When we talk about FC Porto, we are talking about a historic European football club. We are a very young club, but we are very ambitious and have already won a title in the MLS. The opportunity to learn and to develop this strategic partnership will fuel our ambition to become one of the best clubs in the MLS and, in the future, one of the best clubs in the world.”