Sporting: "A Galatasaray win with a Rafael Leão goal would be perfect," says Jéssica Silva

In Istanbul, Galatasaray has found two of its biggest stars in Portuguese talents, one for the women's team and one for the men's. The men's team is set to face Sporting on Wednesday in Alvalade (8:00 PM) for their UEFA Champions League opener. Jéssica Silva, a true football globetrotter and a prominent figure in Portuguese women's football, has won titles with Benfica, as well as in Sweden, Spain, France (including a Champions League title with Lyon), and the United States. Today, she shines for the Turkish club, which also boasts another gem in Rafael Leão, signed for €38 million from AC Milan.

As Galatasaray prepares to visit the green and white's home turf, Silva finds herself in a unique position, unable to openly support the Portuguese side. "In European competitions, I always back the Portuguese teams, but this time I'll have to apologize to my Sporting friends… they'll forgive me [laughs], but this time I'm rooting for Galatasaray to win," confesses the 31-year-old forward, who even envisions a perfect scenario: "That would be a win with a goal from Rafa!"

Jéssica Silva's wish isn't random; it's not just because Rafael Leão is a fellow Portuguese player at the club, sharing the same emblem and, from January onwards, the same training facilities once renovations are complete. It's because Rafael Leão is her "football brother."

"I really like Rafa, I hope he's very happy here," she tells us from Istanbul. "I hope he scores in the Champions League," because the Champions League was a topic of conversation between the two before the forward moved to Turkey in the final stages of the transfer window: "I did speak with him, yes, he might not have come because of me, but I had directors asking me to talk to him… Did I have a hand in his signing? I joke and say yes. I really like him, both on and off the pitch."

While Jéssica Silva no longer has a special connection with any current Sporting players – "there was Trincão, and I continue to support him wherever he goes" – she is well aware of the challenges Galatasaray will face, and vice versa. "Here, they have a lot of respect for Sporting, perhaps also due to the club's successful Champions League campaign last season. But we have a great team, and we're all expecting a win. Osimhen isn't playing, and when the best aren't there, it favors the opponent… but it will be a special game, especially for Rafa," she assures, sidestepping the controversial topic of Leão's return to Alvalade after his contentious departure: "He has experience, but there's no point getting into those toxic topics…"

At the start of her first of two seasons with Galatasaray, where fellow Portuguese players Patrícia Morais and Carole Costa also play, forward Jéssica Silva has found a league far more intense than she anticipated, confirming the Istanbul club's grandeur and the fans' fervent passion.

"You definitely feel that magnitude. In games, on social media, and on the street. Whenever I get into a taxi and say I play for Galatasaray, I might even pay less [laughs]," the forward confesses, adding: "I might have expected a slower game, less tactical quality… but no, I've found greater physical demands; I have to be strong and run as much as I love to. I have to train at a higher level because they push you hard here!"

While awaiting her weekend match, Jéssica will be closely following the men's game in Lisbon and will send a good luck message to her 'bro' Rafa Leão.