CD Nacional Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for CD Nacional, a historic Portuguese football club based in Madeira. Known for their passionate fanbase and commitment to nurturing talent, Nacional has assembled a squad brimming with potential, experience, and ambition. This season’s roster reflects a blend of seasoned veterans, promising youngsters, and strategic signings aimed at achieving success in domestic and international competitions. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down by position and providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s background, skills, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Daniel Guimarães
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Fluminense, Vitória de Guimarães
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Daniel Guimarães is a reliable shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box. Standing at 6’3”, he dominates aerial duels and is known for his ability to save penalties. Having honed his skills at Fluminense, he moved to Europe in 2021, joining Vitória de Guimarães before making the switch to Nacional. His distribution is precise, often initiating counterattacks with long throws or accurate goal kicks.
- Luís Felipe
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Sporting CP B, Académica de Coimbra
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
A product of Sporting CP’s famed academy, Luís Felipe is a technically gifted goalkeeper with excellent footwork. Despite being second-choice, he has proven his worth in cup competitions, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His quick reflexes and composure make him a dependable option between the sticks.
- Tiago Martins
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Porto B, Famalicão
- Transfer Fee: Loan (2024)
Tiago Martins joins Nacional on loan from Porto, bringing youthful energy and potential. At just 21 years old, he has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years, with a knack for making crucial saves in one-on-one situations. His loan move is seen as a stepping stone for gaining first-team experience.
Defenders
- João Ricardo
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Braga, Marítimo
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2023)
João Ricardo is a versatile right-back known for his tireless work rate and attacking prowess. His overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses have made him a fan favorite. With over 200 appearances in the Primeira Liga, his experience is invaluable to Nacional’s backline.
- Pedro Henrique
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, Estoril Praia
- Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2024)
Pedro Henrique is a commanding center-back with a no-nonsense approach to defending. His physicality and aerial dominance make him a formidable opponent for any striker. Having played in Brazil and Portugal, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad.
- Rúben Ferreira
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Benfica B, Chaves
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Rúben Ferreira is a left-back with a keen eye for defensive positioning and an ability to contribute offensively. His pace and stamina allow him to cover the entire flank, making him a crucial asset in both defense and attack.
- Zainadine Júnior
- Nationality: Mozambican
- Former Clubs: Liga Muçulmana, Marítimo
- Transfer Fee: €300,000 (2022)
Zainadine Júnior is a composed and intelligent center-back who reads the game exceptionally well. His ability to intercept passes and organize the defense has earned him a regular starting spot. He also represents Mozambique at the international level.
- Miguel Silva
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Porto B, Paços de Ferreira
- Transfer Fee: Loan (2024)
Miguel Silva is a young, promising defender who can play both as a center-back and a right-back. His versatility and technical skills make him a valuable addition to the squad.
- André Sousa
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Vitória de Guimarães, Moreirense
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
André Sousa is a seasoned left-back with a wealth of experience in the Primeira Liga. His defensive solidity and ability to deliver accurate crosses make him a reliable option for Nacional.
Midfielders
- Bryan Róchez
- Nationality: Honduran
- Former Clubs: Real España, Orlando City
- Transfer Fee: €400,000 (2023)
Bryan Róchez is a dynamic attacking midfielder known for his creativity and vision. His ability to unlock defenses with precise through balls and his knack for scoring from distance make him a key player in Nacional’s midfield.
- Witi
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Benfica B, Mafra
- Transfer Fee: €600,000 (2024)
Witi is a versatile midfielder who can play both centrally and on the wings. His dribbling skills and quick turns make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
- Rúben Micael
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Porto, Braga, Zaragoza
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
A veteran of Portuguese football, Rúben Micael brings experience and composure to the midfield. His passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game are invaluable assets.
- André Vidigal
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Portimonense, Marítimo
- Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2024)
André Vidigal is a hard-working box-to-box midfielder with a keen eye for goal. His energy and tenacity make him a fan favorite, and he has already made an impact with his performances.
- João Camacho
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Sporting CP B, Estoril Praia
- Transfer Fee: Loan (2024)
João Camacho is a young, technically gifted midfielder with a bright future. His ability to dictate play and his composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of Portugal’s finest midfielders.
- Alioune Ndour
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Former Clubs: Diambars, Marítimo
- Transfer Fee: €200,000 (2023)
Alioune Ndour is a powerful defensive midfielder who excels in breaking up play and shielding the defense. His physical presence and tactical awareness make him a crucial part of the team.
Forwards
- Brayan Riascos
- Nationality: Colombian
- Former Clubs: Cortuluá, Marítimo
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Brayan Riascos is a prolific striker with a natural instinct for goal. His pace, agility, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared forwards in the league.
- Rui Costa
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Benfica B, Moreirense
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Rui Costa is a versatile forward who can play as a winger or a second striker. His dribbling skills and ability to create chances for his teammates make him a valuable asset.
- André Silva
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Porto B, Famalicão
- Transfer Fee: Loan (2024)
André Silva is a young, promising forward with a bright future. His pace and finishing ability have already made him a key player in Nacional’s attack.
- Carlos Daniel
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Sporting CP B, Académica de Coimbra
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Carlos Daniel is a hard-working forward known for his pressing and ability to hold up the ball. His physicality and work ethic make him a valuable option off the bench.
- Hélder Sá
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Vitória de Guimarães, Chaves
- Transfer Fee: €300,000 (2023)
Hélder Sá is a versatile forward who can play across the front line. His technical skills and ability to score from tight angles make him a constant threat.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 CD Nacional squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with players capable of competing at the highest level. From the commanding presence of Daniel Guimarães in goal to the attacking flair of Brayan Riascos up front, this team has the potential to make waves in both domestic and international competitions. With a blend of homegrown talent and strategic signings, Nacional is poised for a successful season ahead. The club’s commitment to excellence and its passionate fanbase will undoubtedly drive this squad to achieve great things.