Porto announced on Tuesday the appointment of João Martins as successor to Sérgio Ferreira in charge of the youth set‑up, alongside a refreshed academy coaching staff. The decision arrives as the club tops the Primeira Liga, 1st with 88 points, 28 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses, holding a 6‑point lead over Sporting CP.

Who will lead the youth department?

João Martins, who guided the under‑23 side to the national title last season, was officially introduced at the Estádio do Dragão. The club highlighted his track record of developing talents such as Fábio Vieira and Gonçalo Ramos. Martins replaces Sérgio Ferreira after five years in the role, though Ferreira will stay on as a scouting consultant.

Who are the new academy coaches?

In addition to Martins, the club unveiled the full new coaching lineup: Pedro Silva takes charge of the under‑19s, Rui Costa the under‑17s and Tiago Alves the under‑15s. Each brings a history of success in youth categories, having already produced players now starring in the first team. The board stressed that the playing style will remain consistent with the attacking model that has yielded 66 goals scored and only 18 conceded this season.

Why does the change matter for Porto’s future?

The overhaul of the academy staff aims to ensure a steady flow of young talent to the senior squad, essential for maintaining the league lead. The club has recorded a +48 goal difference, a sign of defensive solidity and offensive firepower, and wants the academy to keep feeding those numbers. General director Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa said “the base is the backbone of our success” and that the new team is ready to raise the level even further.

What lies ahead?

With the new structure already in place, attention turns to the next round of the Taça de Portugal, where the under‑23 side has progressed to the last‑16. Meanwhile, the senior team continues its winning streak (WLWWW) and looks to widen the 6‑point gap over Sporting CP. Fans can expect to see academy graduates join the first‑team squad later this season, reinforcing the internal development strategy that defines the club.

Porto remains firmly at the summit, 1st in Primeira Liga with 88 points, 28 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses, and a 6‑point lead over Sporting CP, while the new youth coaching team works behind the scenes to keep the success rolling for years to come.