If you closely follow futsal, both in Portugal and internationally, you’ve likely heard repeated claims over the past few years about the supposed end of an era for Sporting CP. The team is at the end of its cycle, the coaching staff is at the end of its cycle… yet the trophies keep coming. May all cycle ends be like this.
Nuno Dias has just wrapped up his 12th season as the coach of the lions. With such longevity, it might seem that the end of his cycle is approaching. However, do you really understand what that entails? In 12 seasons, he has secured nine championships, five League Cups, seven Super Cups, six Portuguese Cups, and two UEFA Futsal Champions League titles. That’s 29 trophies out of a possible 50, a 58 percent success rate. Throughout this time, there have been squad reconstructions, always striving for a solid foundation, which has been maintained over several seasons.
The Coach’s Longevity: Enter João Matos
A common thread in Nuno Dias’ 12 years is João Matos. When the coach arrived, the captain had already been with Sporting CP for seven years.
Player Profile:
João Matos
- Club: Sporting CP
- Games: 741
- Goals Scored: 163
“Nuno Dias has consistently praised João Matos for his significant contributions in specific phases of the game and for his leadership on the field,” especially highlighted after game 2 of the final in Braga. João Matos’ role may now be more limited to specific situations, but his influence off the court remains strong. With 19 years at Sporting, he’s heading into his 20th season with no signs of slowing down, a rare feat in modern sports. At 37, his experience makes him a trusted figure in challenging moments, effectively acting as an extension of the coach on the field.
The Loss of Guitta: Time to Reinvent
Sporting’s journey to their fourth consecutive title saw them losing star goalkeeper Guitta, who left for Russia after last season. This raised questions about his replacement. The club turned to Henrique Rafagnin, despite his challenging season in Spain marked by limited playtime and a serious injury. His debut in the Super Cup against SL Benfica was shaky, but he gradually proved his worth. Rafagnin, though not quite Guitta, became a reliable presence in goal, helping maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Solid Base, Energy, and Youth
Success often requires a solid foundation. Key players like João Matos, Pany Varela, and Alex Merlim have been central to Sporting’s victories. Others like Taynan, Diego Cavinato, and Erick Mendonça have also played vital roles, with their departures prompting new strategies from Nuno Dias, such as integrating Wesley Reinaldo.
Youth has been a crucial factor too. Tomás Paçó (24) and Zicky Té (22), despite their young age, have already won everything in the sport, proving themselves as generational talents.
Pauleta: The Pressure Player
Pauleta has been a decisive player, known for his ability to perform under pressure. He consistently contributes with goals and assists, making him a reliable asset during critical moments.
Sporting CP has now won four consecutive national championships, a first in Portuguese futsal history, defying predictions of their decline. As we reflect, we can only hope that all ends of cycles are as triumphant as this.
