Present at the 42nd Lion’s Roar gala held in Leiria – at Quinta do Paul -, Frederico Varandas spoke at the event in front of more than 1500 lion supporters. In his speech, the green and white president reiterated his belief that Sporting is experiencing the best period “of the last 70 years”, guaranteeing that Rúben Amorim’s departure will not slow down the club’s positive momentum.
Best Sporting from the 5 Violins: «If there is something that differentiates this year from all the others it is that this is the best Sporting since the Lion Roars existed. And we could even go back a few decades. After Sporting dos 5 Violinos, this is the best phase in Sporting’s history. And it goes far beyond what happens within the four lines.”
The virtues of the current Sporting: «We have the most valuable team in the history of SAD, we have the largest number of dues-paying members in history and growing
children and young people as new Sporting members, we have more than 8 thousand people on the waiting list to buy a seat at the stadium. We tripled what was then a record for merchandising revenue
The value of SAD’s assets is the highest in its history and, furthermore, for the first time, the auditor who certifies our accounts has eliminated from his opinion the material uncertainty relating to the continuity of Sporting SAD. We continue to be eclectic and successful in our ways. Today Sporting is a winning, thriving, modern club, where values are our soul.”
Sporting’s international awards: «Today Sporting is also recognized abroad for its successful sporting and financial management. A club with sporting success combined with constant financial profit. And one of the signs of this is that there is no memory in the history of football in this country of two European giants coming to take on our coach and our sporting director.
Two people of extraordinary competence who grew up as professionals here and who were fundamental in the growth of the club. Now do we have a challenge ahead of us? Yes, we do… The so-called “skills challenge””
The best Sporting of the last 70 years: «I confess that I laugh when I hear: “Now we will see how much this administration is worth without the coach and the sporting director”. Tell me one thing: has this administration inherited Amorim and Viana? Were they already here? Has anyone recommended them publicly? NO. Not only were they not here, not only did no one recommend them, but the entire football community criticized this administration for hiring Amorim.
Ladies and gentlemen, this was the challenge that this Board of Directors/Administrators had to face to take Sporting from the worst period in its history to the best Sporting of the last 70 years. And as long as this Board of Directors/Administration exists, Sporting will continue its path, will continue to grow.”
What are Frederico Varandas’s main strategies for enhancing Sporting Lisbon‘s youth academy?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Frederico Varandas, President of Sporting Lisbon
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Frederico. It’s quite a remarkable time for Sporting Lisbon, isn’t it? You just spoke at the 42nd Lion’s Roar gala, and your assertion that this is the best period for Sporting in the last 70 years has certainly caught the attention of many. What specifically leads you to believe that we are in such a golden era?
Frederico Varandas: Thank you for having me. You’re right; it was an extraordinary gala attended by over 1500 passionate supporters. I truly believe this is the best Sporting has been since the era of the “Five Violins.” Our achievements extend beyond just what happens on the pitch. We see significant growth in our membership, merchandising revenue, and overall valuation. These foundational elements indicate that we are on a positive trajectory.
Time.news Editor: It’s impressive to hear about the surge in membership and the high demand for seats at the stadium. Can you tell us more about what specific initiatives have driven this growth?
Frederico Varandas: Absolutely. We’ve invested in outreach programs that engage children and young people, making Sporting more accessible and relevant to new generations. We’ve also focused on creating a winning culture and fostering a sense of community among our fans, which has significantly contributed to our increasing membership numbers. The more people see us as a club that embodies their values, the more they want to be part of our journey.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the quality of your squad being the best in history. How do you gauge the value of your team, especially in terms of player development and market value?
Frederico Varandas: The market value is indeed a key indicator. This season, we have achieved the highest valuation of our players in the club’s history, which reflects not only their talents but also our commitment to developing them. We have invested heavily in our academy, which is traditionally a strong pillar for Sporting. Our youth programs are producing exceptional talent that not only enriches our team but often draws interest from top clubs across Europe.
Time.news Editor: With such a strong foundation and momentum, how do you envision the club’s direction moving forward, especially in light of recent changes in coaching staff?
Frederico Varandas: Change can be challenging, but we believe that Rúben Amorim’s departure will not halt our progress. We are focused on continuity, with a clear vision for maintaining the club’s trajectory. We have a robust infrastructure and a solid management team in place that allows us to adapt and excel, no matter who is at the helm of the coaching staff. The support of our fans, combined with strategic planning, ensures we maintain our upward journey.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of support, the recent financial audit you mentioned underscores a new level of confidence in your financial stability. How crucial is this stability for your vision?
Frederico Varandas: It’s vital. For the first time, our auditor has eliminated concerns regarding the continuity of Sporting SAD. This clearance empowers us to focus solely on growth and excellence without the burden of financial uncertainty. Stability allows us to make strategic investments, secure our operational future, and plan long-term projects that can elevate Sporting to new heights.
Time.news Editor: what message would you like to convey to the Sporting community and your ardent supporters moving forward?
Frederico Varandas: I want them to remain engaged and optimistic. Our journey is collaborative, and each member’s voice matters. Together, we are building something remarkable. The passion and loyalty of our supporters drive us, and we are committed to making Sporting Lisbon not only a successful club but also a beacon of pride for all our members. Let’s roar together as we continue this incredible journey!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Frederico. It’s exciting to hear about the future you envision for Sporting Lisbon, and we look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds!
Frederico Varandas: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing our club’s future.