The 31st National Championship title in the blue and white history had already been secured a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn’t until this Saturday that the squad led by Francesco Farioli lifted the long-awaited trophy before a packed Estádio do Dragão with over 50,000 Porto fans. After the victory over Santa Clara that closed the 2025/26 season, Pepê made no secret of the fact that “it’s great to be champions again” and believes the team “truly deserves” to end the season with “a big celebration.”

For Bernardo Lima, the last player to be officially crowned National Champion, “every player from the youth academy dreams of playing for the first team and winning the title for the Club.” After all, “the feeling of someone who comes from the youth system and has known since childhood what it means to be a Dragon is different, because this is the Club of our hearts and the Club we love.” Tiago Silva, another midfielder with blue and white DNA, confessed that this “was a moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a child.”

Pepê
“It feels great to be champions again. We went too long without winning the title, so this is a huge joy. This team really deserves it, we’ve always been very united, and we’ve wrapped up a difficult season in the best possible way. We’re so happy to be champions again. Now we’re heading to Aliados, and the boat ride is a first for me, but I know it’s going to be a huge party and that both we and the fans are going to love it. Last season was tough, but the fans were always with us, and that was crucial for us to start this season with a fresh outlook so we could repay all their support. There were several situations that gave us motivation and strength, like what happened with Jorge [Costa]. It gave us even more motivation to dedicate this title to him, because he always believed in us and always trusted our work. He said that FC Porto had a team again, and we wanted to prove that on the field. Many doubted our ability, so it was important to show that we deserve this title.”

Bernardo Lima
“I’ve been here since I was seven. Every player in the youth system dreams of playing for the first team and winning a championship with the Club. I also had the opportunity to win the U-19 championship. The vote of confidence the Club has placed in us is a result of our hard work, and all of this is very important. The feeling of someone who comes up through the youth system and has known since childhood what it means to be a Dragon is different, because this is the club of our hearts and the club we love. We have a passion for this club, and being able to be champions is a source of immense pride. I want to thank all our teammates, because they also deserved it and helped us get here, as well as the coaches, physical therapists, and team managers. This isn’t just ours. I want to congratulate everyone who helped us get here. Not everyone can make it to the first team, but we’re representing our teammates. The investment is paying off, and just as we’re here, our teammates will get here too. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, I’ve already won several titles, including with the national team. I’m very grateful for everything I’ve achieved with the national team, and I know that if it weren’t for that, I might not be here, but this is the club of my heart, the club I love the most, and it’s a special feeling. Every young player dreams of becoming a National Champion with the Club. Keep believing. I’ve always believed, worked hard, stayed focused, and remained humble. I don’t want to stop, I want to work and improve to earn more opportunities and win more titles for the Club.”

Tiago Silva
“This is a moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a child, and I’m happy to have made it a reality. I’ve been here for 12 years now and have worked hard for this day to come. It’s a unique moment. I haven’t cried yet, but I’m sure I will. I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me. There are many other players who also deserved this opportunity, but I’m very happy that this happened. I’m very happy that my first career title is with the club of my heart and the only club I’ve ever represented. The work continues, always with great humility. Every day is very important. We don’t know how things will turn out; we have to enjoy the moment. This city deserves it, and I hope the fans enjoy it too, because without them none of this would have been possible.”

Nehuén Pérez
“I’m very happy. The injury I suffered taught me a lot, and I learned a great deal. I accepted what happened to me and decided to look ahead, without making excuses, and work toward my recovery. That was crucial to being able to be here today. We’re never prepared for an injury like this, but I always kept my eyes on the future and focused solely on making a full recovery. It’s been a very demanding year from day one, but now is the time to celebrate with our fans. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Club for the way they supported me. The president made a very kind gesture toward me when he visited me on the day I had surgery. He showed what a leader he is to all of us. Everyone was there for me during the worst moment of my career. Now it’s time to focus on next season, which will be very demanding. We’re the National Champions, and everyone will want to beat us.”

Victor Froholdt
“I’m very happy for the team and for my performance. The two awards were the icing on the cake at the end of a season in which we became champions and gave this title to the fans who supported us all year long. I didn’t expect to get here, but I’m very proud of the work I put in on the field every day with my team. I’m very happy to be here and to win a title with FC Porto. I’d love to stay here. I have a long-term contract and I want to fight for more titles and play in the Champions League with this team. It’s hard to pick just one moment, but I think the game where we won the championship was the best. I could see a smile on the face of every fan who always supported us. It was a great moment that I’ll remember for many years to come. Most teams had weeks off, but FC Porto decided to keep working, and that proved we were focused on the championship. All the coaches, the president, and the players were focused on their own work and didn’t pay attention to the noise. I believe it gave us some motivation, but we were focused on our work.”

Alberto Costa
“It’s an incredible feeling to be National Champion with FC Porto. I’ve always been a player who gives it my all on the field, but in an atmosphere like this, it’s easy to go the extra mile. Next year, I want to do even better. Looking back, this is something I’ve always dreamed of. When I was a kid, I used to watch the home games and thought it only happened to other people, but now I’m here and it’s amazing. We all deserve this celebration.”