16-Year-Old Prodigy and Flávio Gonçalves Called Up to U21 Squad

Mezian Soares was the standout new call-up in Luís Freire's squad for the upcoming U21 European Championship 2027 qualifiers. The 16-year-old Lens prodigy earns his first selection, alongside Sporting's Flávio Gonçalves and Rafael Nel.

Mezian has been a shining light for Lens, even making his UEFA Champions League debut. The Portuguese-French central midfielder had previously represented Portugal at U16 and U17 levels.

Domestically, Flávio Gonçalves has been one of the revelations of the season so far. The 19-year-old winger makes his debut in Luís Freire's selections, having already notched three goals and an assist in seven appearances for Sporting.

Portugal is set to visit Bulgaria on September 25th, before hosting Gibraltar on the 30th, and the Czech Republic on October 6th. The 'Seleção das Quinas' currently leads Group B with 19 points, five clear of the Czechs.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Ferreira (Benfica), João Afonso (FC Porto), and João Carvalho (SC Braga);

Defenders: Daniel Banjaqui (Benfica), Diogo Travassos (SC Braga), Gabriel Brás (NEC), Gonçalo Oliveira (Rennes), Martim Fernandes (FC Porto), Rodrigo Rêgo (Castellón), and Tiago Gabriel (Lecce);

Midfielders: Dário Essugo (Strasbourg), Diogo Sousa (Strasbourg), Eduardo Felicíssimo (Sporting), Gonçalo Moreira (Benfica), Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham), and Mathias de Amorim (Famalicão);

Forwards: Afonso Moreira (Bayer Leverkusen), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), Flávio Gonçalves (Sporting), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Gustavo Varela (Monza), Mezian Soares (Lens), Rafael Nel (Sporting), and Rodrigo Mora (Roma)