Chelsea’s latest £40m signing, Geovany Quenda, is making waves in European football, but his roots trace back to Africa. Born in Guinea-Bissau before moving to Portugal, the talented winger is now on the brink of a breakthrough at both club and international levels.
The 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon star, who will officially join Chelsea in 2026, has been called up to the Portugal national team for the for first time this week, where he could feature alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
His rapid rise has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s biggest names, but his African heritage remains a key part of his story.
From Guinea-Bissau to the Top of European Football
Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau to Bissau-Guinean parents before relocating to Portugal at a young age.
His footballing journey began at a local club, Damaiense, where his raw talent caught the eye despite showing up to training in denim jeans instead of a kit.
From there, his rise was meteoric—first to Benfica, then Sporting Lisbon, where he established himself as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
His journey mirrors that of many African-born players who have thrived on European soil, and while he now represents Portugal, his roots in Guinea-Bissau remain an integral part of his story.
The Sporting Lisbon Prodigy Breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s Records
At just 17, Quenda has already been rewriting the history books at Sporting Lisbon. He became the youngest player to score in the Portuguese Super Cup against Porto, breaking a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
His blistering pace, agility, and one-on-one ability make him a nightmare for defenders, and he has already drawn praise from Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who has described him as a player with “unusual technical quality for his age.”
His playing style has been likened to Bukayo Saka, with his ability to operate on both wings and deliver precise crosses while tracking back defensively.
With a left foot that can wreak havoc, Chelsea see him as a long-term successor on the flanks.
Chelsea Win the Race Over Manchester United for His Signature
While Manchester United were also in the hunt for Quenda, Chelsea acted swiftly to secure his services.
The Premier League giants struck a £40 million deal with Sporting Lisbon, ensuring that he will move to Stamford Bridge in 2026 after spending the next two years developing further in Portugal.
The Blues have handed him a seven-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months, signaling their confidence in his potential.
His agency, Sferico Sports Management, sees him as a generational talent, with his dedicated agent, Igor Campedelli, drawing comparisons between him and some of the world’s best wingers.
African Roots and the Possibility of a Future Switch?
Despite now representing Portugal at the international level, Quenda remains eligible to play for Guinea-Bissau, the country of his birth.
With FIFA rules allowing a nationality switch before a player has made a competitive senior appearance, the prospect of him one day donning the African nation’s colors remains a possibility—though unlikely given his rapid rise in Portuguese football.
His trajectory follows the path of other African-born stars who initially represented European nations, including Wilfried Zaha (England to Ivory Coast) and Munir El Haddadi (Spain to Morocco).
However, with Portugal heavily investing in his development, Quenda’s future with the Seleção appears to be secured.
What Next for Quenda?
As he prepares to make his Portugal debut, Quenda’s stock continues to rise. His performances for Sporting Lisbon this season have already made him one of the most exciting teenagers in world football.
If his trajectory continues, Chelsea could have one of the next global superstars in their ranks by 2026.
For now, Africa watches on with pride, knowing that another player with deep roots in the continent is set to take the footballing world by storm.
