Paulo Sousa, coach of Shabab Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, took to the Arena Stage at the Thinking Football Summit to discuss "Portuguese talent in the world" in a conversation with Luís Freitas Lobo. During the panel, Sousa reflected on the evolution of Portuguese football players, coaches, and managers, emphasizing how Portugal has become a global benchmark for talent development.

The 54-year-old coach, who enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs like Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Champions Leagues, outlined how Portugal’s football has undergone a significant transformation. "In recent decades, there has been a remarkable shift in our talent. It’s not just the players—it also involves managers, coaches, and scouts. In Portugal, we are a world reference. Today, we have the infrastructure and human resources to fully develop talent," Sousa remarked, giving credit to the Liga Portugal competitions for their role in this development.

He highlighted the pivotal role of the Portuguese league in nurturing young players: "This cycle of success in our football is largely due to the Portugal League. More young players are entering the League, which is the final step in their development, and competition is key. The League has played a crucial role in the quicker affirmation of talent, preparing players to handle pressure and succeed. Back in my day, the journey depended more on the individual player’s personality and demands. Today, the foundation is much broader."

Sousa also touched on the global expansion of Portuguese talent. "The evolution of the Portuguese player is natural. There was a need to export our talent because we found it difficult to compete financially with other countries. As a result, players leave sooner, but they are better prepared for it," he noted. He stressed how clubs and football structures in Portugal are increasingly prioritizing communication, a skill Sousa admitted he had to develop over time.

The growth of Portuguese coaches was another key point in the discussion. Sousa acknowledged the influence of figures like José Mourinho, who paved the way for Portuguese coaches to thrive internationally: "The fact that coaches have gone beyond our borders, with Mourinho leading the way, has enhanced our preparation—methodologically and culturally—and helped us adapt to the realities of various clubs. This has made us sought after worldwide."

To conclude, Paulo Sousa expressed confidence in the continued success of Portuguese football talent. "Portuguese talent, with our cultural values, gives me full confidence in what we can achieve. We are capable of doing great things, and this is evident across generations. We have talented players capable of succeeding both at home and globally, and this will continue," he affirmed.