Borja Sainz dedicated the Portuguese league title to his mother, who passed away recently.
When Porto saw Borja Sainz (born in Leio, 2001) become available, they didn’t hesitate. “He quickly caught the eye of our scouting team, and that’s why we decided to go for him,” André Villas-Boas admitted to MARCA. The 18 goals Sainz scored for Norwich in the English second division last season prompted the ‘Dragons’ to pay €13.3 million for his transfer. “He’s a player we really like and faithfully represents the club’s spirit. We believe he can be very successful here,” the Porto president insisted.
The verticality of his dribbling, his ability to repeat efforts, and his defensive commitment — averaging 4.5 recoveries and 3 interceptions per 90 minutes — quickly won over Francesco Farioli. His seven goals and five assists in 45 matches (2,427 minutes) make him the team’s fourth top scorer and fifth best assister.
A great professional season was capped last weekend by winning the league, the first title of his career. This triumph carried a deeply emotional personal note: the winger lost his mother just as the final stretch of the season was about to begin. “It’s been hard months, the kind that change you inside.”
“Saturday was one of those days you never forget. It has been tough months, the kind that change you inside. And in the midst of all that, football kept going, the team kept going, and so did I,” he posted on his Instagram account.
“Today we celebrate a league title. But for me, this goes far beyond a trophy. It’s for those who are always there, even if you no longer see them in the stands. Mom, this is for you. And also for you, Jorge Costa, for everything you represent for this club,” he continued.
His ‘inner fire’ has fueled Porto’s ‘Dragons,’ who, four years later, have returned to the top of Portuguese football.