Maria Inês Nogueira Joins FC Porto Women’s Team as New Signing

Maria Inês Nogueira has returned to Portugal after four years in the United States to join FC Porto, signing a two-season contract that runs until 2028. The 22-year-old defender will make her debut in Portuguese top-flight football with the club she calls her childhood team. A native of Lisbon, she began at Belenenses before moving to Sporting, where she progressed through the under-17 and senior ranks. She made her second-division debut at just 15 years old in October 2019 and scored her first professional goal two months later against União de Almeirim. In 2020/21, she helped Sporting win the second tier before leaving for New Jersey to play for the NJIT Highlanders.

At NJIT, while studying Management with Data Analysis and Computer Systems, Nogueira became captain of the women’s program and gained valuable experience in a more physical, fast-paced environment. Across four seasons, she scored five goals in 62 appearances and featured in all 18 matches in 2025. Her performances earned her a place in the East Conference Best XI. She says the move to the United States allowed her to fully commit to both football and academics, something she felt was harder to balance in Portugal.

Nogueira arrives in Porto with the ambition of playing at the highest level in Portuguese football and helping a new FC Porto women’s side compete in Liga BPI. She describes herself as a quick, strong right-back who thrives on duels, defensive work, and supporting attacks. She says the pace and intensity of college soccer made her a better, quicker thinker and improved her physicality, adding to the technical and tactical foundation she developed in Portugal.

The signing carried special meaning for her and her family. Nogueira said she learned of Porto’s interest while dining with her parents shortly after picking them up from the airport for her graduation in the United States. Hearing the news with them by her side made the moment even more memorable. For the defender, joining the club is the fulfillment of a long-held dream, especially as she is representing the team she has supported since childhood.

She also highlighted the growth of women’s football at FC Porto, noting that the club launched its women’s team during her first year in college and that she always hoped she might one day play there. Now wearing shirt number 20, she joins a squad preparing for its first season in the top division. Nogueira says she is ready to give everything for the club and hopes to help Porto become competitive in their new challenge. She also expressed excitement about reuniting with familiar faces, including players from the national setup and former Sporting teammate Maria Ferreira.