The Atlantic breeze whips through my hair, carrying the scent of salt and ancient stones. Below me, the Douro River snakes its way to the sea, its banks dotted with vibrant, tiled buildings that climb the hillsides like a colourful mosaic. This is Porto, a city of resilient spirit, deep traditions, and a passion for football that pulses through its very veins. And it is here, at the Estadio do Dragão, that my new Football Manager 26 adventure begins.

I’ve always been drawn to clubs with history, with a soul that transcends the mere ninety minutes on the pitch. FC Porto isn’t just a football club; it’s an institution, a symbol of northern Portuguese pride and defiance. To understand Porto, the club, you must first understand Porto, the city. It’s a place where tradition and modernity dance a captivating tango, where the echoes of ancient maritime explorers blend seamlessly with the hum of a bustling contemporary port. The people are fiercely independent, known for their hard work and an unwavering loyalty to their roots. This spirit, this portismo, is the bedrock of FC Porto.

The Heartbeat of the City: FC Porto’s Enduring Legacy

Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Ribeira district, or past the grandeur of the Avenida dos Aliados, and you’ll see it everywhere – the blue and white. Flags unfurl from balconies, scarves adorn statues, and the iconic dragon crest is proudly displayed in shop windows. For the Tripeiros (as Porto locals are affectionately known), FC Porto is more than a team; it’s a fundamental part of their identity. It’s a conversation starter, a source of collective joy and sorrow, and a constant thread woven into the fabric of daily life.

The club represents a narrative of triumph against the odds, of punching above their weight on the European stage. While Lisbon’s giants, Benfica and Sporting, often hog the national spotlight, Porto has carved out its own formidable legacy, particularly in Europe. Those Champions League triumphs under José Mourinho and Artur Jorge aren’t just memories; they’re foundational myths, proof that with grit, tactical brilliance, and an unbreakable team spirit, anything is possible. It’s this history of defying expectations that resonates so deeply with the city’s ethos.

The Dragon’s Philosophy: Mística and Meritocracy

At the core of FC Porto’s identity lies a philosophy built on two key pillars: Mística and meritocracy.

Mística: This untranslatable Portuguese word encapsulates the club’s unique spirit, its aura, its almost mystical connection to its past and its passionate fanbase. It’s about the badge, the history, the collective willpower to win. It’s the feeling that when you pull on that blue and white shirt, you’re not just playing for yourself; you’re playing for generations of fans, for the city, for the very soul of FC Porto. It demands sacrifice, unwavering commitment, and an understanding that the collective always triumphs over the individual. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a living, breathing code of conduct.

Meritocracy: Porto has always been a club that values hard work and talent, regardless of origin. While they develop their own exceptional academy talents – a crucial component of our long-term vision – they are also renowned for their astute scouting network. They bring in hidden gems from around the world, polish them into superstars, and often sell them on for significant profit, reinvesting wisely to maintain their competitive edge. This isn’t just a financial model; it’s a belief that only the best, those who truly earn their place, will succeed. There’s no room for complacency here.

My vision for FC Porto will be steeped in these traditions. We will play with intensity, with a tactical discipline that reflects the diligence of the Porto people, and with a flair that befits a club known for its attacking prowess. Possession will be purposeful, not passive. We will press high, win the ball back quickly, and transition with lethal efficiency. Every player will understand the mística and will fight for the dragon on their chest.

Inspired by the rich, structural philosophies of football’s most successful institutions, Made in Porto is my personal journey into the core principles that define this great club.

Goals for Made in Porto:

My tenure as manager will be guided by clear objectives, broken down into short, medium, and long-term ambitions.

Short-Term Goals (FM26 – Season 1 & 2):

• Reclaim Domestic Dominance: Our immediate priority is to re-establish FC Porto as the undisputed champions of Portugal. This means winning the Primeira Liga and aiming for domestic cup success (Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga). We need to instill a winning mentality from day one and make the Estádio do Dragão an impregnable fortress.
• Navigate Europe with Purpose: While a Europa League win might be ambitious in year one, we must aim to progress deep into the competition, at least reaching the quarter-finals. Showing a strong performance on the European stage is crucial for prestige, finances, and attracting top talent.
• Identify and Integrate Key Talent: Assess the current squad, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make shrewd acquisitions to bolster critical areas. Simultaneously, give opportunities to promising academy graduates and begin their integration into the first team setup.

Medium-Term Goals (FM26 – Season 3 & 4):

• Sustain Domestic Hegemony: Consistently winning the Primeira Liga, creating a dynasty that rivals any in Portuguese football history.
• European Contenders: Solidify our position as perennial Champions League contenders, consistently reaching the quarter-finals or further. The aim is to create a squad capable of challenging for European glory every single season.
• Develop a Production Line of Talent: Enhance the academy infrastructure and coaching, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality young players are progressing through the ranks, ready to step into the first team. Become a club renowned not just for buying and selling, but for truly developing world-class talent.
• Financial Stability & Growth: Maintain a healthy financial balance, leveraging smart sales and continued European success to invest in top facilities and wages, allowing us to compete with Europe’s elite.

Long-Term Goals (FM26 – Season 5 and Beyond):

• European Immortality: Win the UEFA Champions League. Not just once, but to establish FC Porto as a consistent winner on the grandest stage, adding more stars to our already illustrious European history.
• Global Recognition: Elevate FC Porto’s brand to one of the truly elite clubs in world football, attracting the very best players and commanding respect across continents.
• The Porto Way Defined: Cement a distinct, recognisable playing style and club culture that embodies the mística and meritocracy, ensuring that even when I depart, the foundations for continued success are firmly in place.
• Legacy Building: To leave a lasting legacy of sustained success, a thriving academy, and a squad brimming with talent, ensuring FC Porto remains a formidable force for decades to come.

The journey ahead will be challenging, demanding, and undoubtedly filled with dramatic twists and turns. But standing here, overlooking this magnificent city, I feel the immense weight of expectation, and an even greater surge of determination. The dragon stirs. The stadium awaits. My story with FC Porto begins now. Força Porto!