From travelling by bus from the Algarve to the Academy: "I'm where I always wanted to be"
Born in Portimão and with Sporting since 2018/19, Joao Simoes is a national youth champion, national senior champion in the 2024/2025 season and winner of the Portuguese Cup in the same season. How did you get to Sporting?
"I started playing for Silves and then went to Portimonense. At Portimonense they called me up for a trial, the first time in 2014. Everything went well and from then on I started taking part in tournaments. In 2018/2019, I started travelling with Gabriel Silva every Saturday by bus from Portimão to Lisbon."
It's still quite a journey, isn't it?
"Yes. We were both travelling alone. We'd catch the bus at half past eight in Albufeira or Portimão, it depended. We'd get here, play at 3pm, get back at 6.30pm and get home around 10, 10.30.
"This went on for three years, until we arrived at the academy at Under-14 level, where I began to live and make my way."
What changes did you find when you left Portimonense for a club like Sporting?
"I met a lot of players with enormous quality and talent. The way of working was very different, at a higher level. It was a positive shock and also a great joy, because I really wanted to come here."
Were you a Sporting fan from an early age?
"Yes, I always was."
So you're fulfilling a dream.
"It was always a dream to come to Sporting. Of course, it required a lot of adaptation and sacrifice. Being away from my family was difficult, but the dream spoke louder. I always told my parents that I wanted to come here, and that didn't let the difficulties get to me.
"I knew I was fighting for my dream and theirs too, because my happiness is their happiness. So I came here with a clear head, knowing that everything I was doing would pay off."
And it paid off. Have you almost always played a level above your age?
"Yes, we were champions at Under-15 level. Then I moved up to the Under-17s, then the Under-19s, then the B team and then the A team. Today I'm at a level I've always wanted to reach."
"The academy gives us everything we need to reach the first team"
During your formative years, what was your day-to-day life like between training and school? What kind of support did you have?
"Sporting has always been very supportive. The club's values are well defined and the school always came first. We could only play or train if we got good grades, so there was no room for easing up.
"The support of Mrs Aida, who is like a mother to us, and the supervisors was essential, they were father figures. When a day went wrong, they were the ones who gave us that hug that parents lacked. All the staff at the academy - supervisors, pedagogy, psychology - are fundamental to our success, both in and out of football."
But it also depends on you.
"Of course, but without their help it would be impossible to get where we want to be."
In terms of mates, did you share a room with anyone?
"Yes. In my first year at U-15, I stayed with Tomás Mendes, a mate from the same generation. He's on his way and is still here at Sporting, fortunately. Then I stayed with a boy from Madeira, Tomás Cerqueira, to help him integrate.
"Later, I spent two years with Miguel Gouveia and, in my final year at the academy, with Goncalo Peregrino, also from Portimão. I was like his godfather. He came to my room to try and help him. I always had good roommates; it was a good experience."
Were you there for each other, especially those from further afield?
"Absolutely. We were like brothers. We socialised, had dinner together... there were about 50 or 60 of us. All with the same dream of making the first team. We always tried to help each other, because that's the only way we could get there."
How do you define the Sporting Academy and the work that is done here?
"It's incredible. The academy gives us everything we need to make it into the first team. In every sector. We have access to everything - training, the gym, psychological and educational counselling, food, everything.
"The space is designed to keep you focused. That helps a lot. The whole structure is set up to train more and more youngsters for the first team."
The dream of the first team: "It's the highest honour"
You have over 50 international caps. What does it mean to you to represent Portugal, knowing that you were brought up in this academy?
"Representing the national team is the pinnacle. It's the highest honour for anyone who plays for their country. It's a source of pride and a great responsibility, because as well as representing the nation, I'm representing my parents and friends. We all dream of reaching the A team, knowing that it's very difficult, but that's the goal."
Is it among your future dreams to play for the senior national team?
"Absolutely. I don't know when it will be or if it will happen, but I'm working towards it, aware of the difficulty, the level and the responsibility it entails."
You made your U-17 debut when you were fifteen and your U-19 debut when you were 16. Did playing above your age group have an impact?
"It came naturally to me. When I was younger, I played in the street with my older brother and with older people, so I was used to it. I always took to the game in the same way, with naturalness and joy, just as I do today. I try to take that street football spirit with me."
You went straight from the youth team to the B team. How was that transition?
"It was after the European Championship. I played about nine games with the B team and then I was called up by Mr Amorim to train with the A team. Since then, thank God, I've stayed until today."
How did you receive the news that you were going to train with the first team?
"It's about appreciation, but a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you don't even realise what the A team is. It was an enormous joy. Seeing players like Morten (Hjulmand), Morita, Dani (Bragança), Nuno (Santos), Pote or Trincão, who have a history at the club, was a source of pride.
"For those of us who saw them as fans, it was special. It was also a good shock to realise that they are normal people and that one day I too can make history at Sporting."
Did you feel nervous when you first stepped out onto the pitch?
"I didn't shake, but I felt that natural nervousness. It was a mixture of happiness and responsibility."
"I often go to watch the U-13 and U-14 games and I see a lot of talent"
Ruben Amorim helps put everyone at ease?
"Yes, the group welcomed me very well from day one. It's customary for youth players to train with the first team, which makes it easier to adapt and brings the two groups closer together."
Looking at the B team and the levels below, do you think there are more players capable of reaching your level?
"Absolutely. Quenda and I often go to watch the U-13 and U-14 games, and there are kids with a lot of quality who could make it into the A team. It's a long road, but you can see a lot of talent. It's incredible."
You signed a professional contract in February 2023. How did you feel at that moment?
"It was a dream come true, but it doesn't mean the road is done. It's a long journey, with many difficulties. A lot of people try to make it and don't succeed. You have to keep your feet on the ground, take it easy and listen to the experts. Only by listening to your elders can you get there."
It was João Pereira who launched you into the first team in the Portuguese Cup match with Amarante. How do you remember that moment?
"It was a dream come true. Ever since I arrived at Sporting, I've always wanted to play in Alvalade. As well as the personal fulfilment, it's also a great responsibility, because the youngsters in the academy look up to us as an example."
Do you feel like a reference for them?
"Yes."
And do you talk to the younger players?
"Yes, every day. I go to see Aida, my and Quenda's "mum", and I usually talk to the kids. I ask them how they're doing, how school is going, I give them advice and sometimes I give them a hard time when I need to.
"It's important to remember where I came from and to be there for them. We're normal people. And I put myself in their shoes and I'd like someone from the first team to come and talk to me."
Is that spirit part of Sporting's DNA?
"Absolutely. There's a lot of mutual support, we're all brothers. The group is very united and that's reflected on the pitch. The values are very well defined."
"I feel I still have a lot to grow and develop"
You scored your first goal for the first team against Nacional. Was that a special moment?
"Yes, very special. You can tell from my reaction that it was something very important. Scoring is always the aim of the game, and doing it for the club of your heart, in Alvalade, with your family in the stands, and hearing the name of the stadium, is indescribable. It was like a dream straight off the telly. I'm very grateful."
Was it a moment that made up for all the hard work and sacrifice over the years?
"Yes. Just being here is a huge source of gratitude. It was all worth it. I'm living my dream at the club I've always wanted to play for. I couldn't ask for anything more."
You were awarded the Stromp Prize in the "Academy" category and then in the "Breakthrough" category. Do you feel like a revelation or already a certainty?
"I feel I still have a lot to grow and develop. I'm only eighteen and have a lot to learn. I'll continue to work hard and listen to my elders, always calmly and focused on helping Sporting."
What advice would you give to a youngster who came knocking on Sporting's door?
"I'd say say yes straight away. Sporting provides incredible support - pedagogy, psychology, supervision - and trains men as well as players. In the end, the career is over and the most important thing is the human being. The values you learn here stay with you for life."
What about your studies? Are you still studying?
"Yes, I finished my 12th year and went to university, at the FMH, to study Sports Science."
Do you feel you can be useful in the future when you finish your career?
"Absolutely. You never know what tomorrow will bring. A footballer's career is short and knowledge never takes up space."
Are these values also passed on in training?
"Yes. We've always been told that school is very important. We have the Project in Alcochete, with teachers who help us and dedicate extra time. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them, because they're fundamental."
Finally, how do you feel when you walk through the gate of the academy, knowing that two Ballon d'Or winners were trained there, including Cristiano Ronaldo?
"It's a great reflection of what Sporting's academy is all about. There are many players of enormous quality - Nuno Mendes, Quaresma, Inácio, Quenda and so many others. The table on the youth side shows the quality and talent that exists here."