In the men's game, Portugal boast one of the best players in the world (Cristiano Ronaldo), one of the most influential coaches (Jose Mourinho), and one of the most notable agents (Jorge Mendes). But the women's side of things is still playing catch-up as it starts its journey to full maturity.
The women's domestic league (now named the Campeonato Nacional Feminino) has been around since 1985, but with Boavista (11) and 1º de Dezembro (12) dominating things in the early years, traditional powerhouses Benfica and Sporting CP only became a force seven years ago. Sporting reactivated their women's team in 2016-17 after a 21-year absence and immediately won the title and cup, while Benfica only created a team in late 2017 and have now picked up the last three titles in a row. The other major side in the country, FC Porto, does not yet have a women's team.
Now, with an appetite for women's football growing around the world, Portugal has, at long last, begun to make a name for itself on the biggest stages. From Benfica's continued presence in the UEFA Women's Champions League group stages, to the national team's debut at Euro 2017 and then 2023 World Cup, it's clear that the Portuguese game is on the rise.
So what can the women's game learn from the success of the men? And how can the men's game continue to grow while also generating huge sums from moving its best players on. Former scout and CEO Tor-Kristian Karlsen and women's football expert Sophie Lawson assess what makes Portugal so special.
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