The quiet hum of ambition is starting to grow in Penafiel. The club is busy building its team for the upcoming season. After bringing in Rúben Alves, Cláudio Silva, Madi Queta, and Joseph Sery, another significant move is on the horizon. Francisco Ferreira is now strongly set to join the squad, a development confirmed by Record.
Not every road to top-tier football is paved with immediate glory. Some players, like Francisco Ferreira, take a longer, harder path. This 26-year-old right-back came up through the Sp. Braga youth ranks. But his real breakthrough happened in Portugal’s lower leagues. He made a name for himself at Gondomar, S. João de Ver, and most recently, Académica.
For the past two seasons, Ferreira was a standout player for Académica, based in Coimbra. Competing in Liga 3, he showed consistent quality. He played in 55 games, proving his worth on the field. During that time, he scored three goals and provided two assists. His hard work and steady performances did not go unnoticed.
Now, Francisco Ferreira stands on the edge of a well-deserved opportunity. He is poised to make the jump to the 2.ª Liga. This move isn’t just big for him. Penafiel’s new coach, Pedro Russiano, will also make his debut in the 2.ª Liga. It marks a fresh chapter for the club and a chance for both player and coach to prove themselves at a higher level.