Borja Sainz: The Unexpected Weapon Behind Porto's Perfect Start in Liga Portugal
The Spanish winger is earning a bigger role in one of Europe's most in-form teams. His numbers are turning heads, especially considering how little playing time he has needed to produce them.
FC Porto are enjoying an extraordinary start to their Liga Portugal campaign. Francesco Farioli's side have won their first ten league matches, and one unexpected player has emerged as an important contributor to that perfect run: Borja Sainz, the Spanish winger who is making the most of his opportunities.
At 25, Sainz has recorded five goals and one assist in ten league appearances, particularly impressive numbers considering he has started just twice. He has played approximately 361 minutes, significantly fewer than several of his attacking teammates.
His performances have come during a historic run for the Dragons. Following their 4-0 victory over Estoril on October 31, Porto reached ten consecutive wins to open the league season for the first time since 1939/40, strengthening their position at the top of the table with a perfect 30 points from 30.
Five Goals From Just Two Starts
What stands out most about Borja Sainz's performances is his efficiency. With five goals in 361 minutes, the Spaniard is averaging approximately one goal every 72 minutes in Liga Portugal. None of those goals have come from the penalty spot.
The winger scored against Arouca and Casa Pia earlier in the campaign, but his recent performances have helped him earn a bigger role. On October 24, he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Gil Vicente before finding the net again in the 4-0 win over Estoril a week later, a match in which he also registered an assist.
Those numbers represent a significant improvement over last season, when he needed 30 league appearances and more than 1,600 minutes to score five goals. This time, he has already matched that total in just ten appearances and less than a quarter of the playing time.
From Prolific Scorer in England to Porto's Impact Player
Sainz's goalscoring ability is not entirely new. Before joining Porto, the winger impressed at Norwich City in England's second division, scoring 18 goals during the 2024/25 season and finishing as the club's leading scorer.
His performances attracted Porto's attention, and the Portuguese club signed him in July 2025 in a deal worth approximately £14.25 million, handing him a five-year contract. However, his first season in Portugal was more modest, with five goals and three assists in 30 league appearances.
This season, Farioli has found in Sainz an attacking option who can contribute either from the starting lineup or off the bench. His pace, ability to attack from the left wing, and movement into dangerous positions give Porto another weapon in an attack that also features Gabri Veiga, André Silva, and Samu Aghehowa.
The Challenge of Securing a Starting Spot
Despite his impressive numbers, Borja Sainz has yet to secure a regular place in the starting lineup. His recent starts against Gil Vicente and Estoril suggest he is moving up the pecking order, but competition for attacking positions means the Spaniard will need to maintain his form to earn more playing time.
Porto also face an important stretch of fixtures. After hosting Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, the Dragons travel to face Vitória de Guimarães on Sunday, November 8, at 1:00 PM ET, on Matchday 11 of Liga Portugal. It will be another opportunity to extend their perfect league record. This match will be available LIVE on beIN SPORTS
Sainz has gone from playing a supporting role to becoming one of Porto's most efficient attacking players. His five goals have already matched his entire league tally from last season, although it remains to be seen whether he can maintain that level of production with a more consistent role.
The Numbers Behind Borja Sainz's Impressive Form
- His production: five goals and one assist in ten Liga Portugal appearances.
- His efficiency: five goals in approximately 361 minutes, despite starting just twice.
- The team: Porto have won their first ten league matches, their best start since 1939/40.
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