Sporting Marks 24 Years of Cristiano Ronaldo Academy

Sporting is celebrating 24 years since the inauguration of its Academy this Sunday. Since 2020, the facility has been named after Cristiano Ronaldo, the most prominent talent to emerge from Alcochete.

The inauguration ceremony in 2002 was attended by Dias da Cunha, Ribeiro Telles, and José Roquette, who had spearheaded the project. Construction began in 1999, taking less than three years to complete at a cost of approximately 17 million euros.

Sporting's Academy has solidified its reputation as a global leader in youth development, making a massive impact both athletically and financially for the club. This veritable talent factory has seen over 80 players debut for the senior team since its opening. Continuous investment in the structure, averaging around €5 million annually, has become the club's primary financial engine, generating over 350 million euros in transfer revenue in recent years.

The most recent success story is Quenda, who was sold to Chelsea last season. Sporting received a guaranteed €50.777 million, with the deal potentially reaching a maximum of €52.136 million based on performance-related add-ons.

Alcochete was also the scene of one of the darkest episodes in the Academy's history. On May 15, 2018, a group of approximately fifty hooded fans forced their way into the facilities, invaded the locker room, and assaulted players, coaches, and technical staff members.

The incident triggered an unprecedented institutional crisis at the club, leading to the termination of contracts for several players due to just cause and the subsequent removal of then-president Bruno de Carvalho.

The case went to court, involving 44 defendants. The trial concluded in May 2020, with 41 individuals receiving prison sentences (some effective, others suspended). Bruno de Carvalho was acquitted of instigating the attack.