Liga Placard Futsal: Everything You Need to Know

Liga Placard is the premier futsal competition in Portugal and currently ranks second in the UEFA rankings, behind only the Spanish leagues.

Just as England, Spain, and Italy lead in football, Portugal stands out in futsal, being a two-time European Champion and World Champion.

Sporting CP, with two UEFA Futsal Champions League titles won in 2019 and 2021, was named Team of the Decade by UEFA.

Liga Placard has steadily grown, filling arenas and attracting more fans passionate about this fast-paced and intense sport, which combines technique, speed, and strategy.
 

History of Liga Placard

In the 1990s, Portuguese futsal was divided: the 5-a-side football league organized by the FPF and the Futsal league organized by the FPFS. FIFA, under João Havelange, decided to unify these formats, creating Futsal as the official sport.

The first edition of the National 1st Division Futsal Championship was held in 1994/1995, integrating teams from both formats. Initially, the championship was played in two phases:

   - North and South Series, with the top three from each group advancing to the second phase.

   - Second phase with six teams playing in a double round-robin format to determine the national champion.

Sporting CP won the title, becoming national champion for the third consecutive time and fourth overall, after a cycle interrupted by Santos Venda Nova in 1991/1992.
 

Futsal Championship Evolution

In 2003/2004, the format changed to a double round-robin system, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs:

   - Quarterfinals and semifinals best-of-three games

   - Finals best-of-five

Dominant teams included Correio da Manhã Futsal, Miramar FC, Sporting CP, AR Freixieiro, and SL Benfica. After Benfica joined, the titles were mostly monopolized by Sporting CP (11) and SL Benfica (7), with occasional surprises from clubs like CF Belenenses, Modicus, AD Fundão, and SC Braga.

In 2013/2014, the league was renamed Liga Sport Zone, and after 2018/2019, it became Liga Placard Futsal due to a new main sponsor.
 

Legends of Portuguese Futsal

Over the decades, Portuguese futsal has produced players and coaches who have left a legacy of talent, achievements, and inspiration for future generations. These figures not only excelled on the court but also helped put Portugal on the global futsal map.
 

   - Seninho

Pivot for Sporting CP and SF Recordação de Apolo, scored 15 goals in 18 games for the national team, known for his technical skill and goal-scoring ability.
 

   - Orlando Duarte

Historic coach of Atlético CP and Sporting CP, won six Portuguese leagues, and served as national team coach for nearly 15 years, guiding Portugal in major international competitions.
 

   - André Lima

Captain of the national team in the 1990s and 2000s, excelled with Miramar FC and SL Benfica, winning national titles and coaching Benfica to the first UEFA Futsal Cup in 2009/2010.
 

   - Ricardinho

Considered the greatest Portuguese and global futsal player, he has won three UEFA Futsal Champions League titles, multiple national and international championships, as well as a European Championship and World Cup with Portugal.
 

Liga Placard Today

In the 2025/2026 season, the league features 12 teams competing in two phases:

   - Regular Phase: Each team plays the others twice (home and away), totaling 22 matches. The top 8 advance to the playoffs, while the bottom 2 are relegated to the Second Division.

   - Playoffs: Three rounds—quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Each matchup is best-of-three games, with the winner advancing after two victories.

The 2025/2026 season promises excitement, with teams like Sporting CP and SL Benfica battling for the title. Key players such as Diego Cavinato (Sporting CP) and Rocha (SL Benfica) are expected to shine.
 

Why Follow Liga Placard?

   - Track the growth of Portuguese futsal and rising talents.

   - Watch thrilling derbies and decisive matches in packed arenas.

   - See Portugal assert itself in European and world futsal.

   - Discover the next legends of the sport.

Liga Placard is more than just a competition—it’s a cultural phenomenon in Portugal. With history, legends, and emerging talent, each season offers excitement, intensity, and top-level technical skill.

Follow the league, fall in love with futsal, and see who will become the next icon of the sport.