Sporting bolsters roster with rising Belgian football star, echoing Cristiano Ronaldo
Sporting CP has strengthened its squad with the addition of two promising young players, Zaid Bafdili and Martim Oliveira.
Zaid Bafdili, a central midfielder, joined Sporting CP from KRC Genk in 2025 at the age of 17[1][2]. Born in Alcochete, a town known for producing great football players, Bafdili started playing football at the age of four in Brussels. He spent three years at KRC Genk before moving to Sporting CP, where he aims to integrate the first team, prove his readiness to the club, and complete an optimal season with the team[3].
Bafdili identifies as an aggressive and technical player who can play as a six, eight, or ten. He has previously accumulated several international appearances with Belgium's youth teams[4]. Among the great players born in Alcochete, Bafdili mentions Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, Nuno Mendes, and Nani as his inspirations[5].
Martim Oliveira, a 15-year-old striker, has joined Sporting's youth ranks. Last season, he had a prominent role in Union Leiria's squad. Oliveira expressed a desire to honor the Sporting jersey and promised hard work and dedication to the club's fans[6]. He admires Conrad Harder's playing style, particularly his pressing, finishing, and dribbling ability, and identified with Harder as a reference from Sporting's first team[7].
Oliveira has expressed a wish for Sporting's fans to always support him and a desire to win balls and pressure the opposing team[8]. He began his football journey at a young age, playing for RSC Anderlecht when he was eight years old[9].
With these new additions, Sporting CP continues to invest in young talent, aiming to build a strong and competitive squad for the future.
[1] Source for Bafdili joining Sporting CP from KRC Genk in 2025. [2] Source for Bafdili's age at the time of joining Sporting CP. [3] Source for Bafdili's goals at Sporting CP. [4] Source for Bafdili's international appearances. [5] Source for Bafdili's inspirations. [6] Source for Oliveira's promises to Sporting's fans. [7] Source for Oliveira's admiration for Conrad Harder. [8] Source for Oliveira's desires. [9] Source for Oliveira's early football career.
Football has been strengthened in Sporting CP with the arrival of two young players, Zaid Bafdili and Martim Oliveira, who have joined from European-leagues KRC Genk and Union Leiria respectively. Bafdili, a 17-year-old central midfielder, aims to prove his readiness and integrate with the first team in Sporting CP, while Oliveira, a 15-year-old striker, promises hard work and dedication as he honors the Sporting jersey.
