A promising Portuguese defender, David Vinhas, has ended his decade-long association with FC Porto, expressing gratitude for his formative years but also disappointment over his final seasons with the club.
Vinhas, 22, announced his departure on Wednesday via Instagram, concluding a connection he described as being with his “club of heart.”
He wrote, “Everything was special… Even these last years of the bond, where everything was atypical and disappointing.”
His social media post reflected on joining the club at age 12, “full of dreams and ambitions,” and sharing a locker room with “some of the best players, coaches and medical departments in the world.”
The central defender was once praised by veteran FC Porto star Pepe and was an integral part of the club’s youth academy. He also represented Portugal at international youth levels.
He signed and later renewed a professional contract, featuring in international youth competitions like the Youth League and making his senior debut with FC Porto B in the Portuguese Second League.
Despite his long association, Vinhas spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Vianense and the 2024-25 season at Oliveira do Hospital.
He did not play any games for FC Porto B during the most recent season.