If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com
Surfing
Joana Schenker finished as runner-up in Stage 1 of the European Bodyboard Circuit in Cascais. The Algarve athlete won all of her heats but missed out in the final by just 0.30 points. The result sees her rise to number two in the European rankings. After the event, Schenker said, “I’m very happy with my performance, I was able to surf the way I like.”
Gymnastics
An astonishing performance from Alina Harnasko saw her win all five individual gold medals at the 2025 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series in Portimão. The athlete from Belarus took victory in the Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbons disciplines, which ultimately saw her take all-around gold. Harnasko is competing under the flag of ‘Authorised Neutral Athletes’ as Belarus is banned from taking part. After the event, Harnasko said, “This is my best result ever. I’m very happy to be here. It’s my third time in Portugal. I really love this city, I want to return soon!” In the team competition, Brazil also completed a clean sweep of victories, taking gold in all disciplines.
Beach football
Portugal has won the bronze medal at the Beach Soccer World Cup following a 3-2 victory over Senegal. Algarve native Rui Coimbra scored a vital goal to help his side squeeze past the African champions. Coimbra, who was born in Quarteira, is the captain of the team and contributed with three goals during the tournament.
Walking football
The 2025 EuroCopa Walking Football tournament proved to be another roaring success, with teams taking part from all over Europe. As with previous years, there were over-50s and over-60s competitions – East Algarve Walking Football Club did the region proud by becoming the 50+ Champions.
EuroCopa 50+ Champions 2025 – East Algarve Walking Football Club courtesy of www.facebook.com/eurocopaalgarve
Handball
The seven-game winning streak of Sporting Club Gil Eanes has finally come to an end. The Lagos-based club lost 29-20 at Alavarium (Aveiro) in Group B of the 2nd phase of the National Women’s Handball Division I. Despite the loss, Club Gil Eanes will be safe for another season in the country’s top flight.
International football
Cristiano Ronaldo Júnior, the son of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, has made his international youth debut for the under-15 Portugal national team. The youngster was a 54th-minute substitute in a comfortable 4-1 victory over Japan. Like his father, Cristiano Júnior plays his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr (under-15s).
Algarve Football
Farense suffered an agonising defeat in the last game of the season, which resulted in them being relegated to Division 2. The side from Faro needed a win to remain in the Primeira Liga but lost 2-1 at home to Santa Clara. With all other results going their way, Farense knew that a home victory would guarantee survival, but a 48th-minute winner from Sérgio Araújo saw the team from the Azores take all three points. With local rivals Portimonense relegated in the 2024 season, this means that there are no longer any teams from the Algarve in the top division of Portuguese football.
Portimonense’s miserable season is finally over. After suffering relegation from the Primeira Liga in 2024, hopes were high for the club from Portimão to bounce back at the first attempt. But Ricardo Pessoa’s men lacked any kind of consistency and finished just outside the relegation zone. There is talk of some foreign investment in the summer, with everyone at the club hoping that it comes to fruition.
Two Algarve players will compete in the Champions League Final. Gonçalo Ramos, from Olhão, and João Neves, from Tavira, both play for Paris St Germain and are the first two Algarve players to reach the final of the UEFA Champions League.
