EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Bragança Reflects on Securing Three Trophies with Sporting and the Influence of Rui Borges

Daniel Braganca will always remember the years 2021, 2024, and 2025. Now 25, with 12 of those years spent at Sporting, the midfielder marked his third championship victory last Saturday. In an exclusive chat with Flashscore, the winger reflected on the hurdles the Green and Whites faced, highlighting Rui Borges’s significant role in restoring the squad’s confidence following Ruben Amorim’s exit.

With three league titles at just 25, which one stands out the most?

“Honestly, each one is special in its own way. Winning with Sporting is always a thrill, so I can’t pinpoint which one is my favourite. All three titles are equally sweet for me.”

Thinking back to your days in Almeirim and joining the Academy, did you ever imagine that by 25 you’d have all these league titles?

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. My grandparents and parents used to take me to Alvalade Stadium to watch Sporting play – witnessing them win titles was always a childhood dream. It’s surreal that Sporting became champions while I was in the first team. Achieving dreams feels even better than just dreaming about them.”

“I never thought Sporting would only win titles while I was part of the first team; it’s incredible that reality turned out this way. I’m genuinely grateful for all the efforts my family put into getting me to the stadium. Although I celebrated cups and league cups as a fan, I’d never had the chance to celebrate a championship until now. Today, I can celebrate both as a player and a fan.”

This championship saw its fair share of incidents, yet it was also marked by Sporting’s consistency. With only two defeats and seven draws, were they the most consistent team in one of the most competitive leagues in recent years?

“Absolutely, from what I recall, it was one of the tightest leagues in Portugal. The title race extended right to the last matchday with two teams still in contention. While it could have gone either way, I believe we were the rightful champions. We found ourselves at the top more often and remained in first place for a considerable time, which makes us deserving winners.”

‘Ruben Amorim was a turning point for Sporting’

Sporting achieved the title under three different managers this season, facing numerous challenges along the way. How did you navigate those times?

“It was tough. We started the season phenomenally, winning 11 consecutive matches. However, following the manager’s departure, things began to shake, we lost two matches, and the team’s self-belief wavered. Nevertheless, we regained our composure and pushed through to become champions in the end.”

Some suggest that if Ruben Amorim had stayed, you would have clinched the title sooner. Was that a topic of discussion among the players?

“It’s impossible to speculate about that. We can’t know whether we would have maintained our form or not; it’s something we will never figure out. However, regardless of what transpired, we were able to achieve the championship. Typically, a team changes managers when things aren’t going well; however, I can’t recall a time where a team needed to part ways with a successful coach mid-season.”

“Often, when a team is struggling, a new coach comes in and things improve. Our situation was unique; we lost a manager who had transformed Sporting over five seasons. It was a significant shock to us, but we accepted and understood it.”

“Just as some standout players leave mid-season – making it tough to retain them – Ruben Amorim was doing an extraordinary job at Sporting, and he was highly sought after. Sadly, that’s football for you. While it was a shock, our group handled it remarkably well, and the situation unfolded as it needed to.”

After Joao Pereira’s brief stint, Rui Borges arrived noted for his strong leadership qualities. Was this when you sensed the shift that would lead to the championship?

“Definitely. After Mr. Ruben left, it wasn’t so much about Joao Pereira’s impact but rather the collective shock we experienced. We felt lost, unsure of how to proceed without our manager. There were significant departures from the squad – figures such as Seba (Coates), Paulinho, Adan, and Neto had left, disrupting the team’s balance. Amorim had taken on dual roles as both coach and captain, and those responsibilities were felt until his exit.”

“With his departure, the team had to rally and draw upon its resolve. Morten (Hjulmand) was crucial in helping us do that. I think it wasn’t so much about Joao Pereira causing disruption; our psychological state played a larger role at that moment. When a team experiences difficulties, it tends to snowball. We faced a barrage of injuries, and players were desperate to return, sometimes coming back too early and exacerbating their situations. Things truly began to spiral.”

“But Rui Borges entered the scene at just the right time, providing the calmness and confidence we desperately needed. He encountered his own set of challenges, particularly with injuries, and when things start to spiral, it’s difficult to stabilise everything all at once. Nonetheless, despite facing such obstacles, he succeeded and contributed enormously to this championship.”

He also adapted the team’s playing style to fit the existing squad – a fine indication of a clever coach.

“Absolutely. He introduced his ideas, which is standard practice, but he recognised the limited time he had to implement changes. Our squad was already well-versed in the previous tactics, playing with ease, so I think he realised he couldn’t overhaul everything. His adaptability proved insightful, and it paid off with the championship.”

‘Pote’s goal released the tension in the stadium’

Let’s touch on two pivotal moments: Eduardo Quaresma’s goal against Gil Vicente. What was that like for you?

“I was on edge the entire time. It’s a completely different kind of pressure when you’re in the title race; the anxieties are magnified. It’s impossible to compare that feeling. It was sheer exhilaration.”

“Edu gave me my lifeline at that moment. While it was truly unexpected, some players are just made for such moments, and he was one of them.”

And what about Pedro Goncalves’ goal in the final match? He returned from injury to score a goal that wasn’t necessarily decisive but was crucial for unlocking the title.

“Yes, it’s monumental. Some moments seem preordained, as he said. I had a feeling his goal would be saved for Luz; I thought it would be the goal of the championship. I was mistaken about the stadium, with the title-winning goal scored at Alvalade against Vitoria SC.”

“His goal relieved the tension in the stadium and will always be remembered. I celebrated that goal wholeheartedly. I’m thrilled for both players; they delivered in key moments of the season.”

Despite injury setbacks, you played in 29 games, scored four goals, and provided nine assists. Are you heading towards one of your best seasons? What can we hope for from Daniel Braganca next season? Continued growth?

“It’s tough to make promises right now. I’ve experienced a significant injury and know how challenging it can be to recover and regain full fitness. However, having gone through that and managed to return at a decent level inspires me to come back even stronger.”

“We’ve been enjoying a fantastic team season, and individually, I was also having a strong run, not just in terms of numbers. Everything was progressing well until my injury. I’m not in a position to promise anything, but I am committed to working hard and coming back even more determined than before.”

‘Sporting is on the right path towards continued success’

With the president and players displaying three fingers, there’s speculation about a potential treble next season. Given the current climate in Portuguese football, do you believe this is the right trajectory for Sporting?

“Absolutely, we’re moving in the right direction. The three fingers gesture isn’t about the ‘tri’; it merely reflects the three championships we’ve already won. Sporting is indeed on a promising path towards continuing our success. The club is vastly different from what it was a few years ago; there’s been a structural transformation and significant progress, and I hope that evolution continues because this is the Sporting I’ve always envisioned.”

Sporting is in the Champions League again. With a new model in place, is the ambition to outperform last season?

“Definitely, step by step. We were having an excellent campaign, but the circumstances we discussed did alter things a bit. We secured playoff qualification with Dortmund, although we didn’t progress. But it’s all about gradual improvement.”

“We must approach the Champions League with renewed ambition, seeking to advance further. Sporting should maintain our domestic victories while striving to show greater strength in Europe. Our mentality needs to evolve slightly, and we’re making strides in that direction. Only time will reveal our progress, but with the staff and players we currently have, I genuinely believe we’re on the right path.”

As a key member of the squad, do you hope to retain most of the players? There’s been talk of Gyokeres possibly leaving.

“Winning titles naturally draws attention to the players, making it difficult to keep our best talents, but that’s the reality. We must be prepared for potential departures.”

“Historically, we’ve shown that even if someone leaves, we can often bring in players of equal or better calibre to maintain our competitiveness. Ultimately, what matters most is that Sporting continues to thrive and compete.”

Do you have faith in the club’s structure to handle any changes?

“Certainly, my experiences over the years have taught me much. Players, coaches, and presidents will come and go, but there’s only one Sporting. It’s incumbent on each of us here to ensure the club stays successful. The priority should always be winning titles.”

“Coaches, players, and staff will inevitably change; it’s a part of life and football. But the crucial thing is for Sporting to remain healthy, competitive, and in contention for titles. That’s what truly brings me joy, and it’s what we need to focus on moving forward.”

‘We are eager to add the Portuguese Cup to our achievements’

The season isn’t over yet, with a cup final on the horizon.

“Indeed, this group has been chasing a cup for the past five years – it’s the only title we have yet to capture. Last year’s loss was tough; I hope the team remembers amidst the celebrations that there’s still work to do.”

“We are keen to add the Portuguese Cup to our honours, providing Sporting with another title. However, we recognise that our opponents will be motivated, especially since they didn’t win the league. It’s very much a 50/50 scenario, and we’ll need to fight hard to secure victory.”

The fans have played a crucial role in achieving this title; how significant have they been?

“Incredibly important. A little while ago, I shared a message requesting their support, regardless of the situation, as they’ve been pivotal this season. More so than just in Alvalade, where their unwavering backing is to be expected, they have shown their support all over Portugal, which has greatly benefited us.”

“The real test of fans comes not just in victories; it’s about standing by us during moments of uncertainty, draws, and losses, and they have consistently been there for us.”

“This championship belongs to them, and their support has been essential for this achievement. I hope they will once again make their presence felt on Sunday at Jamor, helping us strive for success.”