FC Porto Squad 2024/25
FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most storied football clubs, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising young stars. Known for their ability to nurture talent and compete at the highest level, Porto’s roster reflects a blend of homegrown players and shrewd international acquisitions. This season, the Dragons aim to reclaim domestic dominance and make a significant impact in European competitions. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down by position and providing an in-depth analysis of each player.
Goalkeepers
Diogo Costa
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: FC Porto B
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Diogo Costa has firmly established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in European football. A product of Porto’s esteemed academy, Costa has been with the club since his youth, progressing through the ranks to become the first-choice keeper. Known for his exceptional reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and ability to play out from the back, Costa is a modern goalkeeper who excels in both shot-stopping and distribution. His performances have attracted interest from top European clubs, but Porto has managed to retain his services, making him a cornerstone of their defensive setup.
Cláudio Ramos
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Tondela, Nacional
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Cláudio Ramos serves as a dependable backup to Diogo Costa. With experience in the Primeira Liga, Ramos brings stability and composure to the goalkeeping department. His agility and quick decision-making make him a reliable option when called upon. Ramos joined Porto in 2022 after impressive spells at Tondela and Nacional, and his leadership qualities have made him a respected figure in the dressing room.
Samuel Portugal
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Vitória de Guimarães, Athletico Paranaense
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Samuel Portugal, the Brazilian shot-stopper, provides depth and competition in the goalkeeping ranks. Known for his acrobatic saves and strong aerial ability, Portugal joined Porto in 2023 after a successful stint at Vitória de Guimarães. His experience in both Brazilian and Portuguese football adds valuable diversity to the squad, and he remains a solid option for cup competitions.
Defenders
Pepe
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Real Madrid, Besiktas, Porto (first stint)
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2019)
At 41 years old, Pepe continues to defy age with his unwavering commitment and defensive mastery. A club legend, Pepe returned to Porto in 2019 after illustrious spells at Real Madrid and Besiktas. His leadership, tactical intelligence, and physicality make him a vital presence in the heart of Porto’s defense. Despite his age, Pepe remains a key figure, mentoring younger players and delivering consistent performances.
David Carmo
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Braga, SC Farense
Transfer Fee: €20 million (2022)
David Carmo is a towering center-back known for his aerial dominance and composure on the ball. Signed from Braga in 2022 for a significant fee, Carmo has quickly become a mainstay in Porto’s defense. His ability to read the game and initiate attacks from the back makes him a perfect fit for Porto’s style of play. At 24, Carmo is seen as a long-term defensive pillar for the club.
Zaidu Sanusi
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Santa Clara, Gil Vicente
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2020)
Zaidu Sanusi is a dynamic left-back who combines defensive solidity with attacking flair. Since joining Porto in 2020, the Nigerian international has been a consistent performer, known for his pace, stamina, and ability to contribute in both halves of the pitch. Sanusi’s overlapping runs and crossing ability make him a valuable asset in Porto’s system.
João Mário
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Portimonense, Sporting CP
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2021)
João Mário, a versatile right-back, has been a reliable presence in Porto’s defense since his arrival in 2021. Known for his technical ability and defensive discipline, Mário is equally adept at supporting attacks and shutting down opposition wingers. His experience and consistency make him a key component of Porto’s backline.
Iván Marcano
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Rubin Kazan, Olympiacos, Porto (first stint)
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2022)
Iván Marcano returned to Porto in 2022, bringing experience and leadership to the squad. The Spanish center-back is known for his aerial prowess and ability to organize the defense. While not a regular starter, Marcano’s presence provides depth and stability, especially in high-pressure situations.
Wendell
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, Grêmio
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2021)
Wendell, the Brazilian left-back, offers a blend of defensive solidity and attacking intent. Since joining Porto in 2021, he has been a consistent performer, known for his crossing ability and set-piece delivery. Wendell’s experience in European football adds valuable depth to the squad.
Fábio Cardoso
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Vitória de Setúbal, Santa Clara
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2021)
Fábio Cardoso is a dependable center-back who provides cover and competition in defense. Known for his physicality and ability to read the game, Cardoso has been a reliable option for Porto since his arrival in 2021. His commitment and work ethic make him a valuable squad player.
Midfielders
Mateus Uribe
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: América de Cali, Club Nacional, Club Tijuana
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2019)
Mateus Uribe is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his energy, passing range, and goal-scoring ability. Since joining Porto in 2019, the Colombian international has been a key figure in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. Uribe’s leadership and experience make him a vital cog in Porto’s engine room.
Stephen Eustáquio
Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: Paços de Ferreira, Cruz Azul
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)
Stephen Eustáquio has emerged as one of Porto’s most consistent midfielders. The Canadian international is known for his tactical intelligence, ball retention, and ability to dictate play. Since joining in 2022, Eustáquio has become a fan favorite, earning praise for his work rate and technical ability.
Otávio
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Internacional
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2014)
Otávio, a versatile midfielder, has been a cornerstone of Porto’s success in recent years. Known for his creativity, dribbling, and set-piece delivery, the Brazilian has been with the club since 2014. His ability to play multiple positions makes him an invaluable asset to the squad.
Marko Grujić
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Hertha Berlin
Transfer Fee: €12 million (2021)
Marko Grujić is a powerful midfielder who brings physicality and technical ability to Porto’s midfield. Signed from Liverpool in 2021, the Serbian international has been a consistent performer, known for his aerial dominance and ability to break up play. Grujić’s experience in top European leagues adds depth to the squad.
Nico González
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona, Valencia
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
Nico González, a technically gifted midfielder, joined Porto in 2023 after impressing in La Liga. Known for his passing range and composure on the ball, Nico has quickly adapted to Porto’s style of play. His ability to control the tempo of the game makes him a key player in midfield.
André Franco
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Estoril Praia
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
André Franco is a creative midfielder who adds flair and vision to Porto’s midfield. Signed from Estoril Praia in 2023, Franco is known for his dribbling and ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes. His potential makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
Forwards
Mehdi Taremi
Nationality: Iranian
Former Clubs: Rio Ave, Al-Gharafa
Transfer Fee: €4.5 million (2020)
Mehdi Taremi has been one of Porto’s standout performers in recent seasons. The Iranian striker is known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and link-up play. Since joining in 2020, Taremi has consistently been among the top scorers in the Primeira Liga, earning recognition as one of the league’s best forwards.
Evanilson
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Fluminense
Transfer Fee: €8.8 million (2020)
Evanilson is a promising young striker who has shown glimpses of his potential since joining Porto in 2020. Known for his pace and finishing ability, the Brazilian has been a valuable option in attack. His development has been closely monitored, and he is expected to play a more prominent role this season.
Galeno
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Braga, Trindade
Transfer Fee: €9 million (2022)
Galeno is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a central striker. Known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability, the Brazilian has been a key contributor since joining in 2022. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a vital part of Porto’s attack.
Pepê
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Grêmio
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2021)
Pepê is a dynamic winger who has been a revelation since joining Porto in 2021. Known for his pace, trickery, and eye for goal, the Brazilian has become a fan favorite. His ability to take on defenders and deliver in big moments makes him a crucial player in Porto’s attacking setup.
Francisco Conceição
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: FC Porto B, Ajax
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023, return from Ajax)
Francisco Conceição, the son of Porto legend Sérgio Conceição, returned to the club in 2023 after a stint at Ajax. The young winger is known for his dribbling, creativity, and work rate. His return has been met with excitement, and he is expected to play a significant role this season.
Danny Namaso
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Marítimo
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Danny Namaso is a versatile forward who joined Porto in 2023. Known for his technical ability and versatility, the Englishman can play across the front line. His potential and adaptability make him an exciting addition to the squad.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 FC Porto squad is a well-balanced mix of experience, youth, and international talent. With a strong defensive foundation, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, the Dragons are well-equipped to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts. Under the guidance of their astute coaching staff, Porto’s players are poised to continue the club’s proud tradition of success, both domestically and in Europe. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this talented group of players.