The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has become one of Europe’s most forward-thinking institutions in football esports. Especially since launching the FPF eFootball platform in 2017, the federation has built a record and a competitive structure that goes beyond traditional football by offering growing and developmental opportunities to both seasoned players, and beginners through different types of tournaments, game titles and live events.

The FPF’s mission centers on nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and raising the profile of esports across Portugal. It has also earned recognition for its commitment to building a grassroots scene that is both inclusive and sustainable. From regional tournaments to national finals, and through dedicated initiatives like female-only development programs and competitions, the federation has not only consistently prioritized accessibility, opportunity, and growth for all players, but also focused on Portugal as a key figure in esports.

Because of the incredible work put behind the FPF to develop, foster and encouraging football esports across the community, we asked Raúl Faria, Head of Gaming & Esports at the FPF, for insights on the experience, trajectory, expectations and the motivation behind these efforts from the Portuguese Football Federation.

What drives Portugal’s football esports revolution

When asked the key motivations behind the investment in esports over the years from the Federation side, Faria pointed to the country’s deep-rooted enthusiasm:

"One of the key motivations behind Portugal’s deep investment in esports is the country’s genuine passion for gaming. Portugal has a long-standing enthusiasm for competitive gaming, and in the case of football esports, it represents the perfect fusion of two national passions: gaming and football. Portuguese communities love to play, compete, and actively contribute to the growth of esports. (…) Portuguese fans are known for being dedicated, passionate, vibrant, and proactive. This is evident in the packed arenas and the strong support that athletes, clubs, and organizations receive, even when they’re not Portuguese."

This passionate foundation has helped shape a national culture where football esports are seen not just as entertainment, but as an expression of cultural identity: one that brings people together around a shared love of competition, football and community.

What the FPF hopes to represent for today’s and tomorrow’s players

When asked what the FPF should be known for in the world of esports, Faria highlights the broader impact:

“I would like both professional and aspiring players to recognize the FPF for its impactful and distinctive work in building the grassroots of football esports. Beyond the hundreds of competitions and major events with packed arenas that the FPF Esports has organized, what truly stands out is how we built a full ecosystem for football esports from the ground up, proving that It Will Never Be Just A Game.”

Athletes, clubs and professionals within the scene have increasingly developed their careers and experience via the FPF football esports ecosystem:

“This ecosystem has become essential for the development of athletes, clubs, and professionals within the football esports scene. It played a key role in shaping two world champions, Tuga810 and Jafonso. More importantly, it helped establish football esports across Portugal, engaging Regional Associations, Universities, and municipalities in a way that truly roots esports in the fabric of the country.”

It's important to remember how numerous Portuguese players and clubs have competed in national and international tournaments across a range of game titles, showcasing the country’s serious commitment to esports and the growing professionalism of the scene. In addition, there has been an evident commitment to increase female representation, with events such as the FPF W Challenge happening almost yearly. This has also promoted the participation of female players in other regular competitions from which talents like Raquelty or Diana have emerged.

When traditional football enters the game: bridging two worlds

The FPF also sees football esports as a unique bridge between traditional football and digital football - a bridge best embodied by the players themselves. Initiatives like the FPF UFL Challenge Powered by Cristiano Ronaldo tap into that connection.

“In football esports, the connection between traditional football and gaming should always be at the core, that’s what sets it apart from other esports and gives it a unique competitive edge. The best ambassadors for this connection are the footballers themselves. Many of them have a deep passion for gaming, like Diogo Jota, Rúben Neves, and João Félix, while others, like Cristiano Ronaldo, André Gomes and of course Diogo Jota himself with his esports team, have made direct investments in the scene. The FPF recognized this powerful opportunity and built bridges between these top national team players and the esports community through initiatives such as the Ronaldo Challenge, Rúben Neves Challenge, and Diogo Jota Challenge. These events offered unforgettable experiences from playing directly against football idols, to receiving signed jerseys, or even being congratulated by the greatest player in football history. This synergy between football and gaming should continue to grow, with both worlds walking side by side, learning from each other, and unlocking new value for fans, players, and the industry as a whole.”

Esports as a strategic pillar of the FPF’s vision

This vision is deeply embedded in the FPF’s long-term strategy - a strategy that treats esports with the same weight as traditional disciplines such as futsal or grassroots football. Faria refers to esports within the FPF:

“(…) The FPF has been a true pioneer in recognizing esports, particularly football esports, as a vital part of its long-term strategy. From the very beginning, the FPF applied the same core principles and values to football esports as it does to all its other official sports, such as football, futsal, beach soccer and Walking Football: honoring tradition while building for future success. At the heart of this strategy is a strong grassroots Foundation, the community itself, which forms the base of the football esports pyramid in Portugal. This approach has allowed the FPF to be better prepared for the future. We know we’re already developing the next world champion, just like we believed back in 2017 that we would once again reach the top after Quinzas became world champion in 2011 and we did it, twice, in 2022 and 2024. We also won the European Championship in 2022 with the National Team. The key has always been the creation of a robust ecosystem that nurtures and elevates national talent, ensuring long-term success.”

The community that makes everything possible

Ultimately, Portugal’s esports scene stands out because of its people - an energized, engaged, and passionate community that fuels growth at every level.

“(…) it all comes down to passion for the game, and in the case of football esports, for football itself. The combination of these two deep-rooted passions makes the Portuguese community one of the most vibrant in the world. It’s a highly proactive, ambitious, and engaged community that truly wants to be part of the scene. This strong foundation gives organizations like the Portuguese Football Federation a fertile ground to develop a successful and sustainable ecosystem for football esports.”

From producing world champions to building inclusive competitions and connecting football legends to the ever-growing esports world, the FPF has proven that esports is not just a side project - it’s a cornerstone of sport’s future. And in Portugal, that future is already unfolding.

About Portugal and FIFAe

The Portuguese Federation’s commitment to football esports is reflected not only in its history but also in the experiences of players, organizers, and fans alike. Thanks to sustained investment and vision, the FPF has remained a consistent presence across numerous FIFAe competitions – and not only as a competitor but as a builder of football esports legacy. From Francisco Cruz’s breakthrough victory at the FIFA eWorld Cup™ in 2011, to standout champions like Tuga, winner of the FIFAe Club World Cup™ in 2022, and Diana, an accomplished player who reached semifinals in the first FAMEHERGAME Bootcamp: Portugal has cultivated a roster of widely respected and fearless players. Names like Jafonso, Diogo, and Rodrigol continue to represent the country with strength and pride, making Portugal’s impact on the global esports stage impossible to ignore.

Moreover, the Federation has continued to diversify its esports initiatives, expanding its roster of players, and extending the list of game titles. Last year, Portugal competed in all FIFAe competitions. In the inaugural FIFAe World Cup 2024™ featuring Football Manager, Daniel Almeida and Francisco Cruz made history as the first manager and assistant manager duo in this format. The FPF also participated in the first-ever FIFAe World Cup 2024™ ft. Rocket League and the FIFAe World Cup™ ft. eFootball™ Console, where the team reached the quarterfinals. Additionally, they secured a spot in the FIFAe World Cup 2024™ ft. eFootball™ Mobile, further strengthening their presence in the FIFAe scene and football esports in general.

Through a clear vision, a deep connection to its community and football culture, plus a firm commitment to esports visibility and fostering, the FPF continues to set a powerful example of how a traditional sports institution can lead the future of esports: not just by participating, but by shaping it.