Porto Women, a team founded just over a year ago, have made a rapid ascent through the Portuguese football pyramid. After winning promotion from the third division in their debut season, they now sit top of the second division’s final phase, on the verge of reaching the top flight. A place in the first division would finally see them compete with rivals Benfica and Sporting.
Under the presidency of former Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas, Porto Women have been unbeaten in the league this season, yet to concede a goal. They have also reached the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup, where they face Vitória Guimarães after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg. A victory would put them in the final, potentially against Benfica.
José Manuel Ferreira, director of Porto’s women’s football department, outlined the club’s strategy: “We wanted players who had a connection with the club, knew what FC Porto stands for and what it means to play for them.” The club has built a professional environment around the team, with departments for medical, performance, and coaching, all training at Olival, the main training ground.
Villas-Boas emphasised the club’s commitment to gender equality: “Our long-term ambition was to provide equal opportunities and promote genuine gender equality in sport.” He added, “The pride the girls have in wearing the shirt is immense.” The club aims to challenge for the top of the table and eventually compete in European competitions.
Porto Women’s cup run and league form have exceeded expectations. Ferreira noted, “It’s rare to have a team from the second division in the cup final, but this is the result of 18 months of work.” The team has already beaten top-flight side Marítimo en route to the semi-finals, demonstrating their rapid progress.
