First Game, First Minutes

“Every minute on the pitch is earned.”

This weekend was a big one. I finally got my first official minutes in a league match for SU Sintrense U19. After weeks of hard work, I was rostered and ready — but there were no guarantees I’d see the field. I started on the bench, focused, and just waited for my chance.

In the 70th minute, the call came. Coach told me to get ready — we were up 2–0 against UDR Santa Maria. Every footballer knows that’s one of the toughest leads to protect. My job was simple: defend hard, stay organized, and help the team see it through.

Once I stepped on the field, the nerves disappeared. I felt calm, confident, and ready. The physicality of the Portuguese league hit me right away — it’s on another level compared to anything I’ve played in before. Every challenge, every tackle, every second mattered. But the intensity of our training sessions every week had prepared me for this moment. I knew I could handle it.

The last 20 minutes (plus 7 extra!) were intense, but our team stayed strong and held the clean sheet. Final score: SU Sintrense 2–0 UDR Santa Maria.

It might not sound like much to some, but for me, this was a huge moment — the first time wearing the shirt in an official league game and proving I belong here. It’s the kind of day that reminds me why I made this move to Europe in the first place.

Every step, from training sessions to waiting for my name on the roster, leads to moments like this. Now the goal is to keep building, keep earning, and keep proving it — every training, every game, every minute.

Proud day. Grateful for the opportunity. Excited for what’s next.