Portuguese surfer Maria Salgado captured the 2025 European Junior Championship title on Saturday after a decisive victory in the final stage of the World Surf League’s Pro Junior circuit in Taghazout, Morocco.
The 18-year-old from a coastal town in Portugal claimed the top spot after entering the final stage ranked second overall, needing a win to overtake Spanish rival Carla Morera de la Vall.
Salgado delivered a dominant performance in the final, scoring 14.33 points against her closest competitor Sal Borelli, who earned 12.33 points. French surfers Clemence Schorsch and Lilou Rumiel scored 8.87 and 7.24 points, respectively.
Her victory not only secured the European title but also earned her a coveted spot in the World Championship for the category. She also holds a national title.
Salgado’s achievement mirrors past successes by Portuguese surfers Teresa Bonvalot and Mafalda Lopes, reinforcing a strong legacy for the nation’s female surfing talent.
Morera de la Vall, who had led the rankings with two prior stage victories like Salgado, was eliminated in the semifinals, clearing Salgado’s path to the championship.
In contrast, Portugal’s male junior surfers failed to secure qualification for the World Championship.
João Mendonça was the highest-ranked Portuguese male, finishing fourth in the final and fifth overall in the circuit rankings.
Defending European Junior Champion Francisco Ordonhas, who started the final stage third in the rankings, experienced a surprising first-round elimination. He concluded his season in fourth place.
Other Portuguese female surfers, Maria Dias and Lua Escudeiro, also achieved strong overall rankings, finishing sixth and seventh, respectively.