Florentino Ibrain Morris Luis, the promising defensive midfielder from Benfica Lisbon, will not be donning the Angola national team jersey, at least for now. This confirmation came from Angola’s national team coach, Pedro Gonçalves, during an appearance on Tournesol TV.
Pedro Gonçalves made it clear that Florentino Luis, who has shown significant promise with Benfica, is not planning to represent Angola.
“There are no plans for Florentino Luis to join the Palancas Negras,” stated Gonçalves emphatically.
The young midfielder, born in Lobito, Angola, but raised in Portugal, harbors aspirations of playing for the Portuguese national team, where he believes his prospects for achieving international success are greater.
Florentino Luis’ journey in football began early in Portugal, where he was groomed through the Portuguese football system.
His talent was evident as he progressed through the ranks, winning the U17 and U19 European championships in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
With an impressive record of one goal in 84 appearances across various youth levels for Portugal, Luis has firmly established himself as a key player in Portuguese football.
The news has undoubtedly disheartened Angolan football fans who were eagerly anticipating Florentino Luis’ potential contribution to their national team.
Many had high hopes that Luis, along with other players like David Carmo and Aurelio Buta, would bolster the Palancas Negras.
These players had been persuaded to join the Angolan cause by Pedro Gonçalves during his recruitment tour in Portugal before the World Cup qualifiers for 2026.
Despite Gonçalves’ efforts, Florentino Luis remains focused on his ambitions with the Portuguese national team.
Coach Pedro Gonçalves had personally met with Florentino Luis, trying to persuade him to represent Angola.
However, the midfielder, currently thriving at Benfica, feels his best chance for international glory lies with Portugal.
This decision, while disappointing for Angola, reflects Luis’ commitment to his career trajectory and his desire to compete at the highest levels of football.
While the loss of a player of Florentino Luis’ caliber is a setback, Angola’s national team remains focused on their goals.
Pedro Gonçalves and his team will continue to build a competitive squad capable of making an impact on the international stage.
The recruitment of other talented players remains a priority as Angola prepares for future challenges.
Florentino Luis’ decision to prioritize his career with the Portuguese national team over representing Angola is a significant development.
Despite the disappointment among Angolan supporters, this move underscores the complex choices faced by dual-nationality players in international football.
Angola’s national team, under the guidance of Pedro Gonçalves, will now look to other talents to strengthen their squad and pursue their ambitions on the global stage.
