Francisco Neto lauds FC Porto’s support for women at Football Summit

At the Portugal Football Summit in the Cidade do Futebol, held from 23 to 25 September 2026, Portugal women’s national team coach Francisco Neto sat down with Bola na Rede to discuss the side’s progress and the impact of new clubs joining the Primeira Liga Feminina. He highlighted FC Porto’s arrival as a key boost for the league.

Sub‑20 World Cup performance

When asked about Portugal’s showing at the Sub‑20 Mundial, Neto said the team delivered a “prestação bastante positiva”. "Acho que foi uma prestação bastante positiva, uma avaliação em crescendo, como é normal nas competições," he explained, noting that the squad grew stronger throughout the tournament and faced a highly competitive group that produced the semi‑finalists and the eventual finalists. He praised the young players’ competitiveness in every match and the organisational support from coach Marisa and the technical staff.

Player welfare and pregnancies

Discussing recent personal news, Neto welcomed Diana Silva’s pregnancy, calling it “um passo muito importante na família”. He affirmed that the federation will provide “todas as condições” needed for Silva’s return to play after she gives birth. The coach also addressed Ana Capeta’s injury, describing long‑term injuries as “um infortúnio” that the team must manage by developing other players, a challenge he has faced over his twelve‑year tenure.

FC Porto’s entry boosts league

FC Porto’s promotion to the Primeira Liga Feminina this season, Neto said, brings “muitos sócios, muitos adeptos” and greater visibility to women’s football. He stressed that clubs linked to successful men’s sides are “altamente profissionais” and can create conditions that raise the standard of the competition, ultimately benefiting the national team. "É importante ter presente na nossa liga clubes que dão boas condições às suas jogadoras. Acredito que o FC Porto é um clube desses," he added.

Looking ahead, Neto outlined the senior team’s objectives for the 2027 Mundial. The first goal is qualification, beginning with a playoff against Northern Ireland, followed by a potential clash with Croatia or Iceland. He stressed the need to treat every match “como uma final” to secure a place at the World Cup.

Throughout the interview, Neto repeatedly referenced the role of Bola na Rede in covering the summit, noting that the platform helps disseminate the federation’s messages. "O Bola na Rede está presente no Portugal Football Summit," he said, underscoring the partnership between media and the football community.

Sub is the designation used for the youth categories, and as the federation continues to nurture talent, the coach believes that the combined growth of clubs like FC Porto and the national programme will keep Portugal competitive on the world stage.