Ze Gomes: Portugal-Guinea-Bissau forward joins Golan SC on free transfer from AF Elbasani

Portugal and Guinea-Bissau centre-forward Ze Gomes has joined Iraq Stars League side Golan SC on a free transfer from Albanian club AF Elbasani. The 27-year-old moves after his contract in Albania came to an end, with the transfer completed on 15 July 2026.

Gomes, born in Bissau and standing at 1.81m, adds a new option through the middle for Golan SC, operating primarily as a central striker and favouring his right foot. The move marks his first step into Iraqi football after spells in several European leagues.

The forward arrives with experience in Portugal’s second tier, where he made 78 appearances and scored 13 goals, and in Albania’s Kategoria Superiore, where he registered 10 goals in 51 matches. He has also featured in top-flight competitions in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Poland and Romania, as well as in Serie C in Italy, building a profile as a well-travelled attacking option.

Gomes’ career was shaped in the Benfica system, progressing from youth levels through Benfica B and earning appearances in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored 11 goals in 18 games. At youth international level he enjoyed notable success with Portugal, winning the European Under-17 and Under-19 Championships and finishing as top scorer and player of the tournament at the 2016 Under-17 Euros.

After joining Elbasani as a free agent in 2024 and competing in Albania’s top division, Gomes now continues his career in the Iraq Stars League, completing a permanent switch to Golan SC.