André Vidigal has been named in Angola’s national squad for the first time, as coach Pedro Gonçalves unveiled his selection on Tuesday.
The Stoke City midfielder, born in Portugal, is set to make his debut for the Palancas Negras at the age of 27.
Vidigal’s Journey to International Football
Vidigal, who has played 165 professional matches in his career, has registered 31 goals and six assists across various leagues.
His career began at Académica de Coimbra in 2017 before he made his professional breakthrough.
The midfielder later had spells at Apoel Nicosia in Cyprus and Marítimo in Portugal before securing a move to England in 2023 with Stoke City.
Since joining the Championship side, Vidigal has made 43 appearances, scoring seven goals. However, he has yet to find the net in the current season.
Switching Allegiances from Portugal to Angola
Born in Portugal, Vidigal previously represented his birth nation at youth levels, featuring for the U18, U19, and U21 teams. However, he has now opted to represent Angola at senior level, following in the footsteps of several players with dual nationality who have chosen to play for their ancestral homeland.
A Key Addition for Angola
Angola, aiming to strengthen their squad with experienced players, will look to benefit from Vidigal’s versatility and attacking contributions.
His inclusion adds depth to Gonçalves’ midfield options as the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures.
Vidigal’s international debut could mark a new chapter in his career, as he seeks to make an impact on the international stage with Angola.
