Once the powerhouse of Portuguese soccer, the storied club have been starved of domestic success over the past few years
Porto used to be the team that everyone feared in Portugal. From the great squads of the 1990s to the Champions League winners – managed by Jose Mourinho – in 2004, the historic club were a European powerhouse that rolled through their domestic league.
Only Benfica have more league titles. The next closest team, Sporting CP, have 10 fewer.
But of late, they have gone somewhat dormant, starved of domestic success. The talent that once paced their success has dried up, and although a cup win last year eased the pain – and ensured that they qualified for the Europa League – there is no longer the same star power that made this side a genuine competitor on the world stage.
Still, there is history here, and that counts for something. Meanwhile, the dangerous striker Samu Aghehowa can make things happen up front. A kind group, too, could see coach Martin Anselmi's side into the knockout stages with relative comfort. And once they get there, anything can happen.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.
Next up is Porto, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for one of two Portuguese representatives at the tournament.
AFPThe Basics
DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Primeira Liga
CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: None
GROUP: A (Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC)
OPENING MATCH: Palmeiras – June 15, 6 p.m., New York
AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow they got here
Porto did things the traditional way, qualifying for the tournament based on the fact that they were Portugal's most successful club in UEFA's four-year ranking. Strong performances in the league, cup, and a couple of strong European showings – including a Champions League last eight appearance in 2021 – buoyed their coefficient.
GettyThe player to watch
Porto don't have the devastating star power of years past, but there is certainly some talent to be found here. The main man is Samu Aghehowa. Formerly of Atletico Madrid and Getafe, the center forward offers a good mix of goalscoring form and tactical nous through the middle.
A Spain international, Aghehowa has come into his own under the tutelage of Martin Anselmi and has 14 goals in the league this season.
AFPRealistic expectations
Porto are favorites to advance out of an admittedly weak group. Palmeiras will pose a threat – such is their youth talent – while Inter Miami are always dangerous with Lionel Messi in their ranks. But the Dragons just have more quality, and more big game experience, than everyone else.
Once knockouts come, things are up in the air. They are in a tough half of the bracket, and would likely play either Atletico Madrid or PSG in the next round – neither of which would be a particularly friendly matchup for the Portuguese side. Anything beyond that would be something of an overperformance.
