Girona has reinforced its defence by signing Mauro Furtado, an 18-year-old Portuguese centre-back who comes from Benfica and signs until June 2031.
Promising future
Furtado, born in Lisbon, was trained entirely at Benfica’s academy and signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2024. His progression through the club’s youth categories and competitive maturity have made him stand out despite his young age.
International pedigree
The player was part of the Portuguese generation that won the U-17 European Championship and Portugal’s first U-17 World Cup. In the final of the world tournament, Furtado was named best player of both the semi-final and the final, receiving the Bronze Ball as the third-best player of the competition.
Fit with Girona’s defence
His arrival comes at a time when Girona’s defensive core needs reinforcement. The club has recently signed Abdul Mumin and renewed Holmes Junior until 2029, and has Alejandro Francés and David López as established central defenders.
Furtado is known for his strength in duels, anticipation and positioning, as well as his ability to start play from the back, traits that fit with Quique Álvarez’s development plan.
Montilivi and long-term vision
The five-season contract reflects the club’s long-term vision, aiming to capture talent before it fully matures. Furtado arrives at Montilivi, Girona’s stadium, where he is expected to evolve into a key defensive piece in the coming years.
