Sporting CP has officially confirmed the contract extension for promising young midfielder **Manuel Mendonça**. The agreement ties the 20-year-old player to the Lisbon giants until **2028**. Mendonça, who currently serves as the captain of Sporting`s B team, is presently integrated with the first team during their pre-season training camp in Lagos, suggesting his potential proximity to senior team action.
This commitment by **Sporting** signifies the club`s clear belief in Mendonça`s development path and future contribution. Retaining key prospects from the academy, particularly those who have ascended to leadership roles like B team captain, is a standard, and arguably essential, part of nurturing talent capable of stepping up to the top flight. The club has demonstrated faith in his trajectory with this lengthy extension.
Speaking about the renewal, Mendonça articulated a focused ambition. “It was something I already aimed for and now there is continuity to be given,” he stated. He emphasized a methodical approach to his career progression: “Fight for my goals, continue step by step and, for sure, the future will be bright.” A pragmatic outlook from a young player who understands the journey ahead requires sustained effort, not just talent.
On the subject of captaining the B team, Mendonça highlighted the inherent responsibilities. He sees the role as one requiring constant vigilance and exemplary conduct. “You cannot fail because others have to see the right things,” he explained, outlining the expectations for the leader of the reserve squad. He detailed the required attributes: “Always be very attentive, be the first to arrive, have attitude, be very responsible and rigorous.” It sounds less like a footballer discussing tactics and more like a project manager detailing deliverables, but in football, discipline is often the key to unlocking potential.
Mendonça`s ultimate aspiration, predictably for a B team captain training with the seniors, is to make the leap to the first team. He recognizes the present opportunity while at the Lagos camp. He understands that achieving this goal requires maximum effort on the pitch and demonstrating the right character off it, stating the need “to be more prepared” for the demands of the senior level. The pre-season period offers a direct stage to impress the coaching staff and potentially accelerate this transition.
The contract renewal for **Manuel Mendonça** until 2028 is a solid piece of business for **Sporting CP**, securing a valuable homegrown asset. It underscores the club`s investment in its youth structure and the belief that Mendonça has the attributes, including leadership qualities demonstrated with the B team, to potentially become a first-team player. With the player already getting a taste of the senior environment, the next steps in his career will be keenly watched by the club`s hierarchy and supporters alike.
