Lisbon, Portugal — With the Liga Portugal season winding down and only seven matches remaining, the title race is heating up. Defending champions Benfica, now under the guidance of Rui Borges, find themselves just ahead of fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon. This showdown promises to enthral fans as it could go right down to the wire.
Both clubs have been powered by exceptional talents, many of whom are likely to earn a spot in EA Sports FC 25’s Team of the Season (TOTS) promotions. Last year, the promotional event celebrated elite performances, rewarding standout players with enhanced in-game cards, marking their impact over the season.
This year’s projections for the TOTS include ten Liga Portugal players who have been pivotal in their respective teams. Aiming to highlight those players’ contributions will boost their recognition, showcasing their skills beyond the league.
Defensively, 37-year-old Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica remains influential, with the center-back playing in all 23 league matches and tallying three goals. His ability to maintain form at an elite level is notable, as he continues to feature for the Argentinian national team. Likewise, Goncalo Inacio from Sporting Lisbon has been a regular since 2020, further solidifying his presence with age. The 23-year-old has proven instrumental in Sporting’s success this season.
Also featured is Alvaro Carreras, a Spanish left-back who transitioned from Manchester United to Benfica in January 2024. The 22-year-old’s versatility adds vital depth to the team’s defense, allowing him to play as a center-back when needed.
For the midfield contenders, Orkun Kokcu has emerged as a star for Benfica. Joining from Feyenoord, the 24-year-old Turkish dynamo has six goals and four assists in 26 league matches, showcasing his significant contributions in a deeper midfield role. Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand also draws praise for his defensive capabilities, effectively managing transitions under the guidance of his former coach.
Ricardo Horta of Braga stands out among the expected nominees, notably being the sole representative from a non-‘big three’ club. His loyalty to Braga since 2017 underscores his commitment, where he has consistently delivered both goals and assists, capturing attention with eight goals and five assists over 27 matches this season.
In the attacking department, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is generating substantial buzz with an impressive tally of 30 goals in 26 matches, placing him third in the race for the Golden Shoe behind football icons like Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski. His teammate Francisco Trincao is also poised to make a mark, contributing to his club with 19 goal involvements this season.
Porto‘s Samuel Aghehowa is quickly rising through the ranks, having caused a stir with 15 goals in 23 games since joining from Atletico Madrid. Benfica’s Bruma has also showcased solid form, linking up play seamlessly since his arrival from Braga.
The next few matches will play a crucial role in determining the final line-up for the EAFC 25 TOTS for Liga Portugal, with players vying to make their mark and etch their names among this season’s elite.
