PortuGOAL Figure of the Week: Gil Dias finds his home at Famalicão | OneFootball

Gil Dias is in his second spell at Famalicão (photo: www.fcfamalicao.pt)

Welcome back, Liga Portugal.

While some find stability dull, it’s often a necessary foundation for growth and success. Futebol Clube de Famalicão have become renowned for their activity in the transfer market, often overhauling squads frequently — 2025-26 threatens to become an effective exception, however.

Fama defeated Santa Clara by three goals to nil with eleven survivors from the previous season. The Azoreans may have felt the weight of their European adventures; however, the Vila Nova outfit did not feel the absence of fresh recruits as former Marco Silva assistant and current head coach Hugo Oliveira looks to put his signature on this settled side.

Óscar Aranda stood out last season as an extremely exciting prospect on the left-wing. Liga Portugal will feel his absence as an anterior cruciate ligament injury was recently sustained. In this inaugural domestic fixture for Fama, Gil Dias stepped up alongside the likes of Gustavo Sá and Brazilian forward Sorriso (Smile, when translated literally into English).

The nomadic winger Dias slotted an effort past Gabriel Batista to discourage any comeback attempt from Santa Clara, in what was a very complete individual performance.

(Statistics courtesy of Sofascore)

Dias’ turbulent story is reminiscent of what may bring Famalicão success this season.

For his talents and this symmetry, Gil Dias becomes the first PortuGOAL Figure of the Week of the 2025/26 Liga Portugal campaign. Kevin Fernandes reports.

A regularly used passport before the return ‘home’

Gil Dias’s CV reads like a European travelogue. From the youth ranks of Sporting Clube de Braga to the glitz and glamour of Monaco, including coinciding loans to Rio Ave, Fiorentina, Nottingham Forest, Olympiakos, Granada and Famalicão.

Gil Dias in his Fiorentina days (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

A permanent switch to Portuguese juggernauts Benfica was Gil’s childhood dream, and his only goal came against city rivals Sporting at their Alvalade stadium. Despite this unforgettable moment, stability continued to prove elusive, and next stop for Dias was Germany and Stuttgart, followed by a stint in Poland with Legia Warsaw.

Rarely settling for more than a single season, his move back to the north of Portugal has now turned into the four-year contract that Gil Dias has signed with Famalicão.

New chapter, familiar hero

His first stint at the club was impressive, although the numbers – two goals and three assists in 33 games – do little justice to his impact. His return for the 2024/25 season saw him become more productive, scoring five goals and providing three assists, helping the club secure a seventh-place finish as a crucial part of the squad’s leadership group with his varied experience.

Dias admitted, upon returning, that his preferred destination was his native Portugal. The 28-year-old told Famalicense sources “I’m very happy to be back at a club that welcomed me in the best way and where I felt at home and where I’ve had the chance to recapture the joy of playing.”

The Gafanha da Nazaré born forward can fill in roles along both wings, not only as an attacker. Self-defined as an ‘intense, stubborn, fast player who is physically strong and good at dribbling’, Gil Dias is searching for continuity with Famalicão. It could be the perfect marriage. Both player and club have consistently showed glimpses of immense promise without quite taking off.

2025/26 may become the season of affirmation for PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Gil Dias and this stabilised Famalicão side.