One To Watch
Diego Moreira: From strength to strength
Diego Moreira has been one of the most impressive of Liam Rosenior's young RC Strasbourg side this season -- learn more about the versatile young Portuguese player who has rapidly made a name for himself in Alsace.
Light years beyond Lyon
Born in Belgium, Diego Moreira's story is truly one of modern football. After coming through the ranks at Standard Liege, he made the move to Belgium, joining the vaunted Benfica academy and burnished his reputation there through strong play with the reserves (including a UEFA Youth League title) and his new country's junior national sides. After his contract in Lisbon expired, he was on the move again, joining English side Chelsea FC.
Immediately shipped out on loan to Olympique Lyonnais, Moreira failed to establish himself in a veteran side and found himself a peripheral figure, even suffering the ignominy of his loan being ended early. With the club having gone through a remarkable period of instability and the eventual appointment of Pierre Sage as manager, Moreira found himself the odd man out, his youth mattering more than his talent. "The club was in difficulty, and the pressure was stronger," Moriera explained. "It’s tough for everyone when the team isn’t winning, especially for a 19-year-old." Despite the challenges, Moreira remained positive, noting that the experience helped him mature both on and off the pitch.
Now with Strasbourg, he has been a key player for the club through an unlikely tilt at Europe -- indeed, Moreira has racked up the fourth-most minutes among outfield players among the squad, further underscoring his importance to his young side's approach, along with his ability to operate in a variety of systems and positions.
🚀🇵🇹7️⃣#RCSAASSE pic.twitter.com/4glbAT89BW
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) April 28, 2025
A wonderful goal, but more importantly, a wonderful performance
After a pair of draws against fellow European contenders OGC Nice and AS Monaco, Racing needed to respond with a result at home on Saturday against relegation-threatened AS Saint-Étienne. Despite running out 3-1 winners, the result was hardly easy for the hosts, but Moreira's bravura performance, which included an impressive trivela goal and an assist, helped make the difference. Moreira, of course, understood the result, saying "The race for the top is a close one, and we're still hoping for a place in Europe or even a place in the Champions League." Moreira may be self-effacing about his play, but he was also honored by l'Équipe with a place in their team of the round.
Speaking post-match on Sunday about Moreira, Rosenior echoed not only recent praise of his young talent, but also remarked upon just how precocious his performances have been. "We have to remember with Diego that it's his first real season of first team football. His energy levels, his commitment, his improvement -- I'm delighted with him. He just sums up where this squad is -- they're in a very good place, one which we need to stay in for the rest of the season."
That need will be apparent as soon as this weekend, as the Alsatians will face Ligue 1 McDonald's champions Paris Saint-Germain. Playing them in between two Champions League semifinals is likely to be to their benefit, and they'll hope to spring a surprise as OGC Nice did to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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