Chelsea's new signing Quenda hopes to follow Ronaldo's path

Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge of the Premier League. Often compared stylistically to Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, Quenda's journey began with an unusual episode at grassroots club Damaiense. Arriving at training in jeans and shoes, he was initially told he could not take part, but after demonstrating his first touch and dribble, coach Ana Correia persuaded club officials to make an exception.

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Quenda moved to Portugal at age seven. He joined Benfica's academy before moving to city rivals Sporting, where his development propelled him to prominence. The Portugal Under-21 international has signed for Chelsea on a contract until 2034, with the deal reportedly agreed as far back as March 2025 but only formally announced now.

Former youth coach Fabio Roque told BBC Sport: "He was incredible and different. His discipline was not always great, but his attitude was excellent." Roque recalled a moment after a heavy defeat when Quenda said, "It's OK, we're going to win," and then scored from a corner. "It showed who Geovany really is."

Under-23 coach Tiago Teixeira added: "Everyone talked about him. In one training session, after joking he couldn't score free-kicks, he scored four or five in a row and smiled, saying 'OK, finished for me.'"

Quenda is compared to Saka for his explosiveness, creativity, and defensive strength. Roque believes he may be stronger defensively than Saka at this stage. "Among players born in 2007, he is one of the best in the world, alongside Lamine Yamal and Estevao," Roque said.

At age 16, Quenda trained with Sporting's first team under Ruben Amorim. He broke records: youngest scorer in the Portuguese Super Cup (24 minutes into his debut), youngest to start and score in the Champions League for Sporting, and surpassed Ronaldo's record as the youngest goalscorer in Liga Portugal.

However, he suffered a broken fifth metatarsal bone that sidelined him for four months. He completed much of his rehabilitation at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, speaking regularly with then-manager Liam Rosenior and compatriots Pedro Neto and Dario Essugo, and quietly attended matches at Stamford Bridge.

Quenda targets a regular first-team role at Chelsea and hopes for a senior Portugal debut soon. He reported back early for pre-season. Chelsea are adapting their squad, with Alejandro Garnacho for sale and Jesse Derry moving to Sporting. Quenda may also be used at wing-back, which could suit new manager Xabi Alonso's system.