Portuguese women eagerly await historic European Golden League debut

The coaching staff of the Portuguese women’s national team under the leadership of Hugo Silva is working with 15 athletes for their highly anticipated participation in the European Golden League 2025. The competition is set to get underway in Sweden on May 29, thereby marking Portugal’s debut at this level following their historic victory in the European Silver League finals in 2024.

Between June 6-8, during Pool Play Tournament 5, the Portuguese team will have the opportunity to play on home court, more specifically in Vila do Conde.

Preparations kicked off at the beginning of this week at the Santo Tirso Municipal Sports Hall, where the team will be based for the upcoming challenges. Portugal features in Tournament 4 of the Golden League, taking place in Sweden from May 29 to 31, where they will face the host nation and Romania. Between June 6 and 8, the Portuguese team will compete in Vila do Conde (Pool Play Tournament 5), facing Ukraine and Slovenia. The pool phase will culminate in Pool Play Tournament 9 in Hungary (June 13-15), with matches scheduled against Montenegro and the host nation.

The top four teams from the pool phase will secure a spot in the Final Four, scheduled for June 28-29 in Ängelholm, Sweden, where the Scandinavian team will try to defend their title from the 2024 edition. 

“The real challenge begins now” 

Head coach Hugo Silva emphasised the importance of this new cycle: “The historic triumph in the Silver League marks an important moment, but the real challenge begins now: to consolidate this young team to ensure long-term permanence in the Golden League and compete in tournaments that elevate their prestige.”

The coach expressed confidence in the team’s potential: “With young talent, patience in the process, and the support of everyone – athletes, staff, and fans – we believe we can keep the team at the top of European Volleyball, with the clear objective of securing qualification for the European Championship Final Round, our biggest test this season.” 

Silva anticipates a tough journey but demonstrates optimism and determination: “It will be a demanding journey, with many sacrifices and challenges, but every effort will be worthwhile. These difficulties will make us grow and strengthen our commitment to represent the country with pride. The road is long, but the determination of this team is greater. We move forward, united and ambitious!” 

CEV EuroVolley 2026 qualifiers 

Following the Golden League, Team Portugal will continue their campaign in Pool E of the CEV EuroVolley 2026 qualifiers. Following a 3-0 sweep in Georgia and a home loss against Spain last year, Portugal has two more crucial matches scheduled for 2025: Spain vs Portugal (August 6, in Lugo) and Portugal vs Georgia (August 10, in Santo Tirso).
 
Roster 

Setters: Ana Figueiras (SC Braga), Mariana Garcez (SL Benfica)
Liberos: Raquel Moreno (Vitória SC), Matilde Calado Rodrigues (SC Braga)
Opposite hitters: Maria Reis Lopes (SC Braga), Júlia Kavalenka (CDA Volley Talmassons – ITA)
Outside hitters: Alice Clemente (SL Benfica), Ana Rui Monteiro (FC Porto), Margarida Maia (SC Braga), Leonor Coelho (SC Braga), Sofia Gouveia (Castêlo da Maia GC)
Middle Blockers: Amanda Cavalcanti (Sporting CP), Joana Garcez (SL Benfica), Raissa Cassamá (Vitória SC), Marlene Pereira (Leixões SC)