One Club. One City.

Following last Saturday's SC Braga Day, I've been reflecting on what this event truly aims to represent and symbolize. This occasion, which has steadily gained prominence and is now a fixture in the pre-season plans for many Braga fans and residents, is yet another initiative designed to strengthen the bond between the club and the city.

Amidst various activities, thousands flocked to the stadium's esplanade, coinciding with the announcement of the recent membership re-registration drive. The figures speak for themselves: a total of 29,713 members were counted, nearly double the final tally from the last re-registration in 2020 (15,642). Furthermore, an impressive 69% of members are aged 35 or younger. This signals a rejuvenation of the club, a direct result of its recent initiatives, and offers great promise for the future.

As I've previously stated, and as reflected in the significant 83% member retention rate, this must be the club's primary focus and mission in the coming years to ensure sustained growth of its fan base. The support derived from this can, in many instances, be the decisive factor between victory and defeat.

In parallel, and mirroring last season, the final pre-season friendly was played against Spanish side Celta de Vigo. The match ended in a two-all draw, allowing those present to rekindle their passion, return to their usual seats, witness some new faces in action, and once again celebrate an SC Braga goal. Bernardo Fontes, Diogo Travassos, Adrian Bajrami, Sergio Barcia, Denis Huseinbasic, and Gabriel Silva all stepped onto the Municipal Stadium pitch for the first time as SC Braga players, generally leaving a positive impression.

Regrettably, Jonas Wind, an internationally recognized name with high hopes for the attacking front, was absent due to physical unavailability. Also, similar to last season, SC Braga displayed a possession-based style, with intricate passing, short touches, and high technical quality, particularly in the first half.

The tactical ideas are well-established, and the team's identity is increasingly recognizable. Consequently, expectations are high for improvement, both in terms of performance and results, compared to the start of the 2025/2026 season.

The official season kicks off tomorrow in Serbia against Zeleznicar Pancevo, in the second qualifying round of the Conference League. Of particular note is the fact that, as of the time of writing and just hours before the match, its television broadcast in Portugal is still not guaranteed.

This situation reflects the (lack of) appreciation for our football. The second leg, scheduled for the 30th, will be the first official home game and another opportunity to demonstrate the unity I mentioned earlier. One Club. One City. All together for SC Braga.

Taking this opportunity, I congratulate Spain on their well-deserved victory in the 2026 World Cup. They faced an Argentina side that was largely ineffective, illuminated only by the unparalleled talent of Lionel Messi, to whom the football world owes a debt of gratitude for all the footballing memories.