Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso receives sporting merit award in Portugal

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has been recognised with a sporting merit award in his hometown of Trofa, Portugal.

The 54-year-old received the Premio de Merito Desportivo at the ninth Trofa Sports Gala, held this week to honour athletes and sports representatives connected with the municipality.

Cardoso was unable to attend the ceremony, but shared his reaction on his official Instagram account. The coach, who led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title earlier this year, thanked the local authorities for the recognition.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Trofa Town Council for the sporting merit recognition awarded at the 9th Trofa Sports Galaa ceremony dedicated to honouring the athletes and sports agents who distinguished themselves within the municipality in 2026,” Cardoso wrote.

“I also extend my thanks to Dr Isabel Cruz, who represented me so wonderfully and accepted the award on my behalf. It is always a profound privilege to be recognised in the land where I was born and raised, and to represent both Trofa and my country on the international stage.”

Trofa is located on the outskirts of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, and is the place where Cardoso was born.

The award adds to a series of honours received by the Sundowns coach in Portugal after his work in the Champions League.

Cardoso previously honoured by coaches’ association

Three months ago, Cardoso was presented with the Jose Maria Pedroto award by Portugal’s National Association of Football Coaches.

That award recognised his achievements in the Champions League. Cardoso explained at the time that it was named after a highly respected Portuguese coach who managed FC Porto.

“It’s called the Jose Maria Pedroto award, and it’s the name of an ancient, very important coach in Portugal who coached FC Porto. I was given that award also regarding the work we did,” Cardoso said.