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16-year-old angolan makes history in Portugal by becoming Sporting's youngest ever player

Dário Essugo made quite a stir over the past weekend: the Angolan-Portuguese footballer made Portuguese history in Portugal after becoming the youngest ever player to play for Sporting's first team on Saturday.

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With only 16 years old - made about a week ago, on March 14 - Dário was chosen by the 'lions' coach, Rúben Amorim, to replace João Mário. The youngster entered the field in the 86th minute, in a match against Vitória de Guimarães.

The stay on the field was short, but nothing stopped him from winning the title of the youngest player ever to play for Sporting. With this debut on the field, the Angolan-born player thus surpasses the record of Santamaria (who debuted on the field at 16 years, 11 months and 12 days) and Marco Caneira, whose debut was at 17 years and one day.

According to MAGG magazine, Dario Essugo has also managed to surpass the debuts of other famous players who have played for Sporting. This is the case of Figo, who made his debut at the age of 17 years, four months and 27 days, Paulo Futre, who was 17 years, five months and 29 days, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who took the field at the age of 17 years, six months and nine days.

At the end of the game emotion was running high and Dário Essugo couldn't hold back his tears. He received hugs and congratulations from his teammates.

Speaking to Sporting TV at the end of the game, Dário classified that moment as the fulfillment of a dream: "It's an indescribable feeling, it was something I always wanted, I dreamed about this.

"To be able to achieve this and to be the youngest player to debut for Sporting is a source of pride. I just have to thank everyone who made this possible: thank you very much", he said.

He also stated that playing in Sporting's first team is "different". "This is another level here, but my teammates supported me on and off the field and that made me even more relaxed," he added.

The Sporting coach took the opportunity to congratulate the player and said that this is "a kid with a lot of talent, with a lot of humility, worked well and is now part" of the club.

This bet "is a message to the youth. It doesn't matter the age. Sporting is on this path. Those kids who have doubts between clubs know that here the door is open. This makes a difference. Congratulations to Dario, who deserved it. He was called to the training, fulfilled and showed a lot of quality in the two weeks he worked with us", said the leonine coach.

Last year, the youngster, who belongs to the 'lions' formation since the 2014/2015 season, played some games in the beginners' level. This year, he had not yet played, since the soccer formations are suspended due to covid-19. However, last Tuesday, Dario Essugo trained with the first team, which allowed him to get on the pitch on Saturday.

Note that, according to MAGG, his brother Danilo also wears the Sporting jersey. Both players were signed by the 'lions' from Santa Maria in 2014.

Dário Essugo com os seus pais e irmão (Foto: Dário Essugo/Instagram)

Dário Essugo com os seus pais e irmão (Foto: Dário Essugo/Instagram)

 

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