Sporting CP Mourns the Loss of Legendary Scouting Director Aurélio Pereira
Sporting CP is in mourning following the passing of their legendary scouting director, Aurélio Pereira, who died on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, at the age of 77.
Pereira served as the cornerstone of Sporting’s youth recruitment since 1988, leaving an indelible mark on the club and Portuguese football.
His most significant achievements include identifying and bringing a trio of exceptional talents to Sporting’s academy: Paulo Futre, Luís Figo, and Cristiano Ronaldo. These players not only became stars for Sporting but also for the Portuguese national team, with Figo and Ronaldo later achieving Ballon d’Or recognition after transferring abroad.
Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the most famous of his discoveries, joined Sporting at just 12 years old in 1997, thanks to Pereira’s vision. Reflecting on Pereira’s impact, the Al Nassr captain wrote on Instagram, acknowledging him as “one of the greatest symbols of world youth training” and expressing eternal gratitude for his contributions.
He said: “One of the greatest symbols of world youth training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever. I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players. Until forever, Mr. Aurélio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace”
Sporting CP acknowledged Pereira’s immense contribution, stating that he would “forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national football and, above all, in the history of Sporting Clube de Portugal.”
Beyond these iconic figures, Pereira’s scouting prowess was further highlighted by the fact that he is credited with discovering ten players who were part of Portugal’s triumphant Euro 2016 squad. His dedication to nurturing young talent also saw him coach Sporting’s youth teams for two decades.
The president of Portugal’s Football Federation, Pedro Proença, emphasised the profound loss: “The death of Aurélio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football. In addition to the enormous legacy built by the man who discovered some of the best players in our history … We will have an enormous and eternal debt of gratitude to Aurélio Pereira and we will do everything to honor his legacy.”