Portuguese football giants FC Porto have entered into a partnership with Sialkot Football Academy to establish a new international Dragon Force by FC Porto academy in Pakistan, strengthening the club’s presence in Asia and expanding its global youth development network, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, FC Porto considers Pakistan a market with significant potential due to its large and young population and an economy with a GDP of more than $400 billion.
“Entering Sialkot represents a strategic step for FC Porto, which will establish a new presence in Asia,” the club said.
Through the partnership, FC Porto will introduce its football development methodology, knowledge and values to a new generation of Pakistani players.
FC Porto continua a expandir a rede Internacional (já vai em mais de 10).
— Desarme Tático (@desarme_tatico) September 15, 2026
Se países como o México, Brasil ou Colômbia podem trazer mais-valias desportivas (já começam a surgir os primeiros), países como o Paquistão será mais em termos extra-campo e marca. Trabalha-se bem… https://t.co/DbaJeMfgQt
The addition of the Sialkot academy will expand the club’s international academy network across four continents to more than 11,000 students.
The initiative is part of FC Porto’s broader ambition to reach 40,000 young athletes worldwide by 2030, based on a global development model focused on high standards, excellence and the club’s values.
The Sialkot academy will also serve as a bridge between Pakistan and Portugal, bringing the two countries closer through football and promoting the role of sport in the development and education of young people.
Sialkot, internationally recognised for its sports and sporting-goods industry, is home to Forward Sports, the company behind the Sialkot Football Academy. Forward Sports also manufactures official FIFA World Cup match balls and footballs used in major international competitions.
Ricardo Frey-Ramos, Director of FC Porto Dragon Force Academies, said the partnership would provide an opportunity to bring the club closer to young Pakistani players.
“We want to share our methodology, our values and our experience in youth football development,” he said, describing the project as an important step in FC Porto’s international growth strategy.
The initiative has also received strong support from the Embassy of Pakistan in Portugal. Ambassador Aisha Farooqui said the project could help bring Pakistan and Portugal closer through sport.
She described the initiative as a potential turning point for football lovers in Pakistan and said it would offer a valuable opportunity to youngsters aspiring to represent the country at the FIFA World Cup.
Hassan Masood Khawaja, President of Sialkot Football Academy and General Manager of Forward Sports, said the partnership would open a new chapter for the development of young football talent in Pakistan.
“We are opening a new chapter for young talent in Pakistan, where dreams gain direction and potential finds an opportunity,” he said, adding that the academy aimed to help turn the talent of young Pakistanis into the champions of tomorrow.
The project was also facilitated by Haroon Sharif, President of the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum and former Minister for Investment of Pakistan, whose contribution was instrumental in bringing FC Porto and Sialkot Football Academy together.