Margarida Postiga, 15, is making waves in Portuguese basketball. The daughter of former Portuguese international footballer Hélder Postiga, Margarida has been on a remarkable journey. Two years ago, she helped the Porto Basketball Association’s under-14 women’s team win the Juvenile Basketball Festival. Now, she’s back on the court, this time leading the under-16 team to victory.
In the final against Santarém, Margarida scored 10 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and made 1 assist in just 19 minutes. Her team won 58-42, securing their first-ever triple title in the under-16 category. Margarida’s parents, Hélder and Ana Filipa, cheered her on from the stands, proudly wearing AB Porto t-shirts.
Margarida credits her improvement to her coaches, teammates, and hard work. “I was really nervous two years ago, but now I feel more confident,” she says. Margarida started playing basketball at Clip Teams when she was 10. She’s had a chance to play with friends Gabriela Carvalho and Maria Marcelino, making the experience even more special.
Margarida’s goals are ambitious. She dreams of playing basketball in the United States and studying there. “It’s a dream I’ve had recently,” she reveals, beaming with excitement. “I love basketball, and I want to take it seriously.” Margarida is a good student and hopes to secure a scholarship to play basketball and study in the US.
Margarida’s journey to basketball wasn’t straightforward. She tried various sports, including tennis, football, and rhythmic gymnastics, before finding her passion for basketball. “I wasn’t very good at first,” she admits. “But my teammates and coaches gave me the confidence to keep going.” Her family has been supportive throughout, and her parents have grown to love watching her play.
Growing up in a football-focused environment, Margarida’s family has adapted to her new passion. “My family used to be all about football,” she laughs. “But now they enjoy watching me play basketball.” Even her dad, Hélder, has become a basketball fan, although he still needs a little help understanding the rules.
When asked if she’d win in a one-on-one game against her dad, Margarida confidently says, “I would! But he’s pretty strong too.” Margarida’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and a passion for the game.
Key Stats
- Points: 10
- Rebounds: 2
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 3
- Turnovers: 4
- Playing Time: 19 minutes
