Luis Suárez’s coach praises the star’s success at Sporting.

Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan prodigy who has captivated Sporting fans, is experiencing a phase of recognition in European football. His first coach, Valmiro Viana, who has been with him since he was 13 years old, does not hesitate to praise the qualities of the young forward. Viana, who has seen many talents pass through his hands, claims that Suárez has always stood out for his seriousness and humility, traits that he believes are essential for an athlete’s success.

Before making the leap to Europe, Suárez had a 45-day stint at Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, at the age of 18. However, he failed to convince the club’s management. Undeterred, in December 2014, the forward returned to Colombia, where he rejoined his former club, Itagüí Leones, which currently competes in the second tier of Colombian football. This club, which is preparing to face Portugal in the upcoming World Cup, could see one of its former players shine on bigger stages.

Valmiro Viana, who has extensive experience in developing young talents, continues to closely follow Suárez’s career, now one of the cornerstones of the Sporting team. The coach reveals that he has always believed in the player’s abilities and that his hard work and dedication are paying off. “Luis has always been very serious and humble. He has never let success go to his head and has always worked to improve,” Viana said in a recent interview.

Meanwhile, Sporting is awaiting a response from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports after requesting a meeting with Margarida Balseiro Lopes. This movement comes at a time when the Lisbon club is trying to consolidate its position in Portuguese football, especially following the recent controversies that have stirred the waters of sports in Portugal. At the ANTF 2026 Forum conference, the president of Liga Portugal addressed these issues, highlighting the need for greater transparency and integrity in national football.

The struggle for a place in the sun is not exclusive to Sporting. The Commercial Court of Nantes recently ruled on a legal battle involving two clubs, bringing an end to a process that had been dragging on for some time. This decision is a clear sign that European football is changing, and more and more clubs are fighting for their rights and a place in the competitive football market.

Amidst all these movements, players from Sporting and Benfica have been in the spotlight on national teams. Recently, athletes from both clubs were starters in Colombia’s second friendly match as the country prepares for the World Cup, where it seeks to shine and make history. In parallel, a Portuguese author in Germany has released a new book exploring the political influence in World Cups, shedding light on the complex relationship between sports and politics.

Luis Suárez, who has become a central figure at Sporting, is an example of how talent combined with humility can open doors and lead a player to achieve their dreams. With his journey being closely followed, the future looks bright for this young talent, who continues to delight fans and make his mark in the world of football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.