Praia Celebrates: FC Porto Wins 31st League Title
The streets of Praia, Cape Verde, erupted in blue and white celebrations on Saturday as FC Porto secured its 31st Portuguese league title with a 1-0 victory over Alverca. The win, sealed by a 41st-minute goal from Bednarek, sparked instant festivities across the capital city, where fans filled bars and public squares to toast “the Dragons.”
A Long-Awaited Return to the Top
For the Cape Verdean Porto faithful, this victory ends a three-year drought. “Cape Verde is with Porto,” said Carlos Barros, who was seen dancing to the club’s anthem, “Filhos do Dragão,” amidst a street party complete with a DJ and festive lighting. “After three years without winning, it’s an incredible feeling. This success belongs to everyone: the coach, the players, and the fans.”
The atmosphere at the Qatar Association in Praia was particularly electric. Supporters prepared for the final whistle by readying bottles of champagne on the street. In a symbolic gesture, a trophy won by a local veteran team was repurposed as a communal ice bucket to toast the new Portuguese champions.
Honoring Legends and New Leadership
Fans in Praia were quick to credit the architect of the victory, Italian manager Francesco Farioli, while also paying homage to the club’s storied history. “This championship is a great tribute to our eternal captain Jorge Costa and the legacy of Pinto da Costa,” noted Carlos Furtado, proudly wearing the blue and white jersey.
The victory carries extra weight this year as Cape Verde prepares for its own historic milestone: a debut appearance in the World Cup. “Cape Verde is blue—it’s in our flag and our national team’s jersey,” said Mário Xavier. “Porto’s victory is a good omen for the archipelago’s debut on the world stage.”
A Call for a Presidential Visit
Carlos Morais, known as “Caló,” a former Cape Verdean international and Salgueiros player, used the celebration to issue an invite to the club’s leadership. “The president of FC Porto must come to Cape Verde,” he urged, noting the deep historical ties between the nation and the club. “So many Cape Verdean players have passed through Porto, and the fan base here is massive.”
The camaraderie even extended across rival lines. In the Tira Chapéu neighborhood, Benfica fans remained at the bars to celebrate with their Porto-supporting friends. “I’m only here because of my friends,” joked one Benfica fan while being playfully draped in Porto scarves. “I congratulate them, but in my heart, Benfica is still the greatest.”
The Race for the Throne
With this victory in the 32nd round of the I Liga, FC Porto moves to 85 points—holding a commanding nine-point lead over second-placed Benfica and a 12-point lead over Sporting. While Benfica still holds the record for the most titles with 38, Porto’s 31st trophy narrows the gap and cements their dominance under Farioli’s leadership.
Image: Pexels – Omar Ramadan