Geovany Quenda, Chelsea's new £40 million winger, grew up idolising Cristiano Ronaldo and dreaming of following the Sporting legend's path into the biggest stages of European football. Those who have worked with him closely say the teenager most resembles another elite winger entirely — Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka.

A remarkable first impression

Quenda's story has a cinematic opening. Arriving at grassroots club Damaiense for an early training session wearing jeans and ordinary shoes, he was told he could not participate. Then the ball rolled his way. His first touch and subsequent dribble were so effortless that coach Ana Correia persuaded club officials to make an exception — a moment that, according to an interview Correia later gave to Sabado, became part of Quenda's personal legend.

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Quenda moved to Portugal at the age of seven, navigating a new country and culture before rising through the Damaiense under-10s to Benfica's academy and ultimately to city rivals Sporting.

'This guy is special'