Vinícius Junior and Alverca’s bold gamble on the Primeira Liga

The arrival of Vinícius Jr. and a group of investors who have taken control of FC Alverca's SAD has brought the Ribatejo club into the spotlight of Portuguese football. This marks the first time a global football superstar is directly associated with a Liga Portugal project, significantly altering external perceptions of a club that has previously competed in the Primeira Liga. Vinícius Jr. himself attended the Alverca versus Benfica match in August, drawing considerable attention.

This change in ownership occurred against a backdrop of instability, following the departure of Bruno Vicintin to Santa Clara's SAD, which had cast doubt on Alverca's future. Vicintin had overseen an aggressive transfer strategy that peaked in the summer with over 30 new signings, while only one player was retained from the previous season's promotion campaign. This represents a near-total break with the recent past, highlighting the club's state of flux.

Amid this sweeping renewal, Alverca enters the 2025/26 season as a project in constant reconstruction. The involvement of Vinícius Jr. could serve as an unprecedented springboard for international exposure but also adds a layer of volatility. The central challenge is to build sporting sustainability for a club that has become synonymous with instability in the transfer market, balancing Vicintin's legacy with the promise of global recognition under new ownership.

Alverca's SAD was established in 2020 with Ricardo Vicintin as the majority shareholder, aiming to restore the club's profile through professional management and a strong connection to the Brazilian market.