Inspiring Journeys

Since the opening of PFA Portugal, we have welcomed athletes from every corner of the world - each with their own story, ambitions, and dreams.

Whether they stayed with us for five days or five years, we are proud to have contributed to their development, both in football and in life. Over the years, we have accompanied incredible journeys: players who grew on the pitch, students who excelled academically, and young people who found confidence, discipline, and direction.

Here, we share some of the inspiring paths taken by athletes who have been part of our academy and continue to make us proud in many different areas.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

ROSHAWN JUHMI

Professional Footballer 🇨🇦-🇵🇹-🇨🇦

Roshawn joined PFA Portugal in 2018 and developed through several seasons in Portugal, showing discipline and consistency as a defensive midfielder.
After the 2025 PFA preseason, he signed his first professional contract with Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League.
MUKHTAR ISHENALIEV

Professional Footballer 🇰🇬- 🇵🇹-🇰🇬
Mukhtar Ishenaliev joined PFA Portugal in 2023 and developed through the Portuguese football system, competing for Vista Alegre.
After returning to Kyrgyzstan, he represented the U19 and U20 National Teams and signed a professional contract with FC Abdysh-Ata.
GABRIEL NÚÑEZ

Professional Footballer and Sports Manager 🇸🇻-🇵🇹-🇩🇴

Gabriel joined PFA Portugal in 2016, competing at senior level in Portugal while studying Sports Science and developing as a disciplined student-athlete.
He later represented the Dominican Republic National Team - even competing against Lionel Messi - before founding his own football academy.
TAN BOYU

Professional Footballer 🇨🇳-🇵🇹

Tan Boyu joined PFA Portugal in 2019 and successfully completed high school in Portuguese while developing as a player.
In 2025, he signed with A.C. Marinhense, a team in Portugal’s Division II, proving that persistence and hard work create opportunities.
VITOR FATEL

Professional Footballer 🇧🇷-🇵🇹-🇧🇷
Vitor Fatel joined PFA Portugal in 2024, where he continued developing his game while competing for RD Águeda in Portugal.
In 2025, his progress led him to return to Brazil and sign a professional contract with Fluminense FC (Brazil – Série A).
NIKITA KYRYLOV

Student-Athlete (professional) 🇺🇦-🇵🇹
Nikita joined PFA Portugal in 2021 as a dedicated student-athlete, balancing his academic pathway while developing through the Portuguese football system. He competed for Albergaria-a-Velha and GDGafanha.
In 2025, his progression and consistency earned him a professional youth contract with Anadia FC U19.
BAXTER HANLEY

Professional Footballer 🇦🇺-🇵🇹-🇮🇹

Baxter arrived at PFA Portugal from Australia with the goal of building a football career in Europe, progressing through youth and senior levels at Vaguense and Beira-Mar.
His dedication paid off when he signed his first professional contract with Vittorio Veneto in Italy’s Serie D.
NAZAR TERPUGOV

Professional Footballer 🇷🇺-🇵🇹
Nazar arrived at PFA Portugal in 2018 and quickly stood out as a gifted striker with exceptional finishing ability.
He continued his development in Portugal with Anadia FC (Portuguese 3rd Division), Casa Pia AC (Portuguese 1st Division), and Académico de Viseu (Portuguese 2nd Division).
CLÁUDIO CARRÃO

Professional Footballer 🇵🇹-🇮🇹
Cláudio Carrão joined PFA Portugal around 2016 and built his career through years of dedication, resilience, and continuous development within the academy.
Today, he plays professionally in Italy with ASD Polisportiva Codroipo, representing one of the academy’s strongest examples of long-term growth.
BILLY APOSTOLATOS

Professional Footballer 🇬🇷🇦🇺-🇵🇹
Billy joined PFA Portugal in 2025 and quickly demonstrated the level and commitment required to progress within the Portuguese football system.
His development at the academy led him to secure a professional youth contract with Anadia FC U19.
RUI PEDRO

Professional Footballer 🇵🇹
Rui Pedro joined PFA Portugal at just 13 years old, developing through several youth clubs in Aveiro including Beira-Mar, Taboeira, Gafanha, and ALBA.
In 2025, he signed his first professional contract with A.C. Marinhense (Portuguese Division II) and even had the opportunity to compete against Sporting CP.
TANG CHUXUAN

UEFA C Licensed Coach 🇨🇳-🇵🇹
Tang Chuxuan joined PFA Portugal in 2019 and graduated from Portuguese high school while competing in the Portuguese football system, helping Ala-Arriba win a league title and promotion.
During his time at the academy, he earned his UEFA C Coaching Licence, gaining coaching experience with Benfica’s youth teams.
ZAKHAR TERPUGOV

Professional Footballer 🇷🇺-🇵🇹
Zakhar joined PFA Portugal in 2018 and quickly stood out as a powerful winger with strong goal-scoring ability.
He later earned professional contracts with Anadia FC (Portuguese 3rd Division), Casa Pia AC (Portuguese 1st Division), and Vitória FC (Portuguese 1st Division).
EAMON HATOUM

Professional Footballer 🇬🇧-🇵🇹-🇧🇭
Eamon joined PFA Portugal in 2017 and built an international career through determination and continuous development.
He signed with Cova da Piedade and Académica de Coimbra (Portuguese 2nd Division), Bouri CSC (Bahrain 2nd Division), and Al-Ahli / Al-Shabab (Bahrain Premier League).
HARRY LLOYD

Professional Footballer 🇦🇺-🇵🇹-🇮🇹-🇦🇺
Harry joined PFA Portugal in 2020 and developed through the Portuguese football system, competing with Avanca.
In 2025, he signed with ASD Sapri Calcio in Italy, and in 2026 returned to his home country to join South Coast Flame FC (NSW League Two).
LIANG XUN

UEFA C Licensed Coach 🇨🇳-🇵🇹
Liang Xun joined PFA Portugal in 2019 and graduated from Portuguese high school while competing in the Portuguese football system, helping Ala-Arriba win a league title and promotion.
During his time at the academy, he earned his UEFA C Coaching Licence, gaining coaching experience with Benfica’s youth teams.
RYAN MOLNAR

Professional Footballer 🇦🇺-🇵🇹
Ryan Molnar first joined PFA Portugal through a short-term program before deciding to continue his development in the long-term pathway.
After playing with Vista Alegre, he earned a professional contract with Anadia FC U19.
MA BENLI

UEFA C Licensed Coach 🇨🇳-🇵🇹
Ma Benli joined PFA Portugal in 2019 and successfully completed Portuguese high school while developing through the Portuguese football system.
During his time at the academy, he earned his UEFA C Coaching Licence, gaining coaching experience with Benfica’s youth teams.
JOÃO DE SÁ

Student-Athlete (professional) 🇵🇹
João de Sá joined PFA Portugal in 2021 and continues to develop as a student-athlete while completing his high school studies.
He signed with Beira-Mar (Campeonato de Portugal - Série B) and has already been called up to the club’s senior team.
ABUBAKR KARIMJONOV

Student-Athlete (professional) 🇺🇿-🇵🇹
Abu joined PFA Portugal in 2023 as a student-athlete, balancing his high school studies while developing through the Portuguese football system. He competed for ALBA, gaining valuable match experience.
In 2025, his progress earned him a professional youth contract with Anadia FC U19.