Geovany Quenda, Sporting’s teenage sensation, is drawing buzz as a future football icon, with some likening him to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
At just 17, Quenda’s flair and maturity on the pitch have turned heads, earning him a first call-up to Portugal’s national team. His youth coach at Sporting, Tiago Teixeira, sees a bright path ahead for the winger, who’s already a regular starter in his debut professional season.
“I see similarities with Lamine Yamal,” Teixeira told The Athletic.
“Both of them started playing senior football at 16, 17. Yamal is already playing for Spain, but Quenda has just been called up by Portugal for the first time.
“I’m certain he’s going to be a regular in the national team for years to come, and a star of the Champions League.
“He will get better with age and keep growing in confidence. He has everything he needs.”
Chelsea couldn’t resist his potential, swooping in with a €50m deal. Quenda will stay on loan at Sporting for another year, a smart move to nurture his development.
Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau and played for Portugal at youth level, finishing second in the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
He was called up to the senior side for the first time on August 30, 2024, ahead of the opening UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland.
