Can Sporting CP Win Liga Portugal?
Sporting CP enters the 2026-27 Liga Portugal season determined to return to the top after finishing second in last year’s title race.
Despite matching FC Porto with only two league defeats, Sporting narrowly missed out on the championship and now hopes that continuity, a proven coach, and one of Portugal’s most dangerous attacks can make the difference.
The Lions have kept the foundation of their project intact while reinforcing their commitment to long-term stability. With Rui Borges entering his third consecutive season in charge and several key players staying at the club, Sporting once again looks ready to challenge for the league title.
Luis Suárez Leads a Dangerous Attack
Sporting’s biggest weapon remains Colombian striker Luis Suárez, who finished as Liga Portugal’s top scorer last season with 28 goals in 32 league appearances. Although his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup failed to match his club form, he remains one of the most clinical finishers in Portuguese football.
Another important piece of the squad is Uruguayan international Maxi Araújo. Sporting recently extended his contract through 2030, protecting one of its most valuable players with an €80 million release clause. Since arriving in Lisbon, Araújo has scored 11 goals in 93 appearances while helping the club lift two league titles.
The club heads into the new campaign full of confidence after winning every preseason friendly, including an emphatic 7-0 victory over Strasbourg and a 2-0 win over AS Monaco.
Stability Could Be Sporting’s Biggest Strength
One of Sporting’s biggest offseason moves came away from the transfer market. Club captain Eduardo Quaresma signed a new contract through 2031, ensuring one of the team’s leaders will remain in Lisbon for years to come. The 24-year-old defender has been part of Sporting’s academy since the 2011-12 season, made his professional debut in 2019, played more than 100 matches for the first team, and already won three Liga Portugal titles.
Rui Borges also provides valuable continuity on the sidelines. After extending his contract until 2028 earlier this year, the coach begins his third straight season leading Sporting, having already guided the club to major domestic success and one of its strongest European campaigns in recent years.
Not everything has gone perfectly, however. Sporting lost two key players during the transfer window. Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand completed a move to Atlético Madrid for around €40 million, while highly rated winger Geovany Quenda joined Chelsea in a deal worth approximately €52 million.
Can the Lions Return to the Top?
Sporting knows exactly what it takes to win Liga Portugal after lifting back-to-back league titles in 2024 and 2025. Although last season ended with a second-place finish, the margins were extremely small.
Keeping Luis Suárez, Maxi Araújo and captain Eduardo Quaresma gives Sporting a solid foundation, while Rui Borges continues to build on a project that has already delivered trophies.
With Porto defending the title and Benfica expected to challenge once again, another close title race appears inevitable. If Sporting successfully replaces the players it lost during the summer and maintains the consistency it showed last season, the Lions have every reason to believe they can reclaim the Liga Portugal crown.
