Porto’s Rising Star Aghehowa Shines as Dragons Stay Top of Liga…Read More

Porto’s Rising Star Aghehowa Shines as Dragons Stay Top of Liga…Read More…

FC Porto’s season has been defined by both soaring highs and unexpected lows, but at the heart of their campaign has been 21‑year‑old striker Samu Aghehowa, whose goal‑scoring exploits helped the Dragons maintain their grip on the Primeira Liga summit — until a recent injury setback.

Aghehowa, a Spanish forward with Nigerian roots, joined Porto from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024 and rapidly became one of the most prolific attackers in Portugal’s top flight. Combining strength, pace, and a keen scoring instinct, he lit up the Estádio do Dragão with goals in key fixtures, including a decisive brace in Porto’s 2‑1 UEFA Europa League win over Malmö FF.

Throughout the 2025‑26 season, his form was nothing short of sensational. Before his injury, Aghehowa had scored 20 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions, making him Porto’s leading marksman and a constant threat to opposing defences. His performances helped the Dragons stay at the top of the Liga Portugal table, providing crucial momentum in the title race and keeping pressure on traditional rivals.

Aghehowa’s influence extended beyond domestic league play. His contributions in European competition drew praise, with Porto fans and pundits alike noting his ability to step up in major matches. At just 21, he was already demonstrating the finishing ability and composure on the ball expected of elite forwards — qualities that had European clubs monitoring his progress closely. Multiple Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Newcastle United, have expressed interest in Aghehowa’s services, potentially setting up a major transfer saga should he continue his rise.

Yet the story of Porto’s rising star took a dramatic turn in February 2026. In a tightly contested league game against Sporting CP, Aghehowa was forced off at halftime with what was later confirmed as a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury — widely regarded as one of the most severe setbacks a footballer can face.

The injury not only sidelines him for the remainder of the club season but also deals a blow to his international aspirations. The Spaniard was poised to be part of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, a dream now put on hold as he begins a lengthy rehabilitation process.

In a heartfelt message to supporters following the injury, Aghehowa described the experience as “the unluckiest day of my career” but vowed to return “stronger than ever,” expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans during this difficult period.

Despite his absence, FC Porto remain at the top of the league — a testament to the strong foundation Aghehowa helped build earlier in the campaign. As Porto prepare for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on the recovery timeline of their star striker and whether he can once again lead the Dragons with the same fire and goal‑scoring prowess that made him one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.