Gonçalo Inácio

Inácio was born in Almada, Setúbal District and raised in Seixal, a municipality located {{convert|34.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} away. Growing up, he would play football wherever he could on the streets or in his house, and regularly attended Sporting CP matches with his father.{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/ja-nao-consigo-ir-passear-o-cao-a-rua-sem-se-juntar-uma-multidao-13772003.html|title="Já não consigo ir passear o cão à rua sem se juntar uma multidão"|trans-title="I can no longer walk the dog without gathering a crowd"|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|first=Isaura|last=Almeida|language=pt|date=27 May 2021|access-date=1 November 2021}}

Despite not having a particular idol, Inácio looked to emulate Jérémy Mathieu.

Inácio began his career at local Almada, before moving to Sporting's academy. Prior to this, he had several trials with crosstown rivals Benfica, but ultimately decided not to join them when his father's car broke down on two occasions when he was being taken to training.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/sporting/detalhe/inacio-e-as-duas-avarias-que-o-tiraram-do-benfica-tambem-nao-gostava-de-estar-la|title=Inácio e as duas avarias que o 'tiraram'... do Benfica: "Também não gostava de estar lá"|trans-title=Inacio and the two breakdowns that 'took him' ... from Benfica: "I didn't like to be there either"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=9 December 2021|access-date=13 December 2021}} On 13 January 2018, he signed his first professional contract at the age of 16.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/goncalo-inacio-assinou-contrato-profissional|title=Gonçalo Inácio assinou contrato profissional|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio signed a professional contract|newspaper=Record|first=André|last=Ferreira|language=pt|date=13 January 2018|access-date=4 October 2020}}

Inácio had his first call-up to the first team on 6 July 2020, remaining unused in a goalless draw at Moreirense in the Primeira Liga;{{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/sporting/noticias/muitas-novidades-no-onze-do-sporting-para-o-jogo-com-o-moreirense-12393392.html|title=Muitas novidades no onze do Sporting para o jogo com o Moreirense|trans-title=Many new faces in Sporting's XI for the game with Moreirense|newspaper=O Jogo|language=pt|date=6 July 2020|access-date=8 January 2021}} he would initially struggle to be integrated, due to being reserved by nature, but managed to succeed with the help of manager Ruben Amorim and his teammates Nuno Mendes, Eduardo Quaresma and Tiago Tomás, whom he had befriended during his time in the youth sides. He made his debut in a 2–0 away win against Portimonense on 4 October, as a 62nd-minute substitute for Zouhair Feddal.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/inacio-com-estreia-impetuosa|title=Inácio com estreia impetuosa|trans-title=Inácio with fiery debut|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=6 October 2020|access-date=8 January 2021}}

On 20 March 2021, Inácio scored his first goal, heading home from close range in the 1–0 home victory over Vitória de Guimarães.{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2021/03/20/desporto/noticia/sporting-vence-v-guimaraes-segura-10-pontos-vantagem-1955305|title=Sporting subiu mais um degrau|trans-title=Sporting further up the ladder|newspaper=Público|first=David|last=Andrade|language=pt|date=20 March 2021|access-date=22 March 2021}} On 23 January, he provided the assist for Pedro Porro in a 1–0 defeat of Braga to help his club win the Taça da Liga; his performance in the match impressed Amorim, with the player eventually surpassing Luís Neto in the pecking order.{{cite web|url=https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/desporto/1681619/goncalo-inacio-convence-ruben-amorim-e-espreita-nova-oportunidade|title=Gonçalo Inácio convence Rúben Amorim e espreita nova oportunidade|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio convinces Rúben Amorim and waits for new chance|publisher=Notícias ao Minuto|first=Carlos|last=Pereira Fernandes|language=pt|date=4 February 2021|access-date=31 October 2021}} He played 20 times in the domestic league for the eventual champions, ending a 19-year drought.{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/club-news/2080-10-reasons-why-sporting-are-champions-of-portugal|title=10 reasons why Sporting are Champions of Portugal|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Tom|last=Kundert|date=11 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021}}

Inácio was named defender of the month for December 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/sporting/detalhe/goncalo-inacio-foi-o-melhor-jogador-jovem-em-novembro|title=Gonçalo Inácio foi o melhor jogador jovem em novembro|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio was the best young player in November|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=17 December 2021|access-date=24 January 2022}} The following 29 January, his second-half header helped his team come from behind to defeat Benfica 2–1 in the league cup final.{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/club-news/2426-sporting-defend-their-taca-da-liga-title-in-second-half-turnaround-versus-benfica|title=Sporting defend their Taça da Liga title in second-half turnaround versus Benfica|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Patrick|last=Ribeiro|date=29 January 2022|access-date=30 January 2022}} On 1 April, he agreed to an extension until 2026.{{cite web|url=https://www.sporting.pt/pt/noticias/futebol/equipa-principal/2022-04-01/goncalo-inacio-e-leao-ate-2026|title=Gonçalo Inácio é Leão até 2026|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio a Lion until 2026|publisher=Sporting CP|language=pt|date=1 April 2022|access-date=10 April 2022}}

On 12 November 2023, in the Lisbon derby against Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, Inácio was sent off after receiving a second yellow card at the start of the second half; Sporting went on to lose 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsf.pt/desporto/benfica-sporting-relato-tsf-direto-i-liga-17326217.html|title=Há reviravoltas e depois há isto. Benfica vira e vence Sporting na compensação|trans-title=There are comebacks and then there is this. Benfica turn it around and beat Sporting in injury time|publisher=TSF|first=Rui|last=Oliveira Costa|language=pt|date=12 November 2023|access-date=13 November 2023}} On 14 December, in their final UEFA Europa League group game, at home to Sturm Graz, he came off the bench at half-time and scored twice in ten minutes to seal a 3–0 victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/um-bis-em-10-minutos-goncalo-inacio-apanhou-lhe-o-jeito-diante-do-sturm-graz|title=Um bis em 10 minutos: Gonçalo Inácio apanhou-lhe o jeito diante do Sturm Graz|trans-title=A brace in 10 minutes: Gonçalo Inácio got the hang of it against Sturm Graz|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=14 December 2023|access-date=14 December 2023}} During the season, he contributed 32 appearances and nearly 2,500 minutes as the club own its 20th league,{{cite web|url=https://tvi.iol.pt/noticias/liga/sporting/sporting-29-campeoes-entre-eles-quatro-guarda-redes-e-um-jogador-despromovido|title=Sporting: 29 campeões, entre eles quatro guarda-redes e um jogador... despromovido|trans-title=Sporting: 29 champions, including four goalkeepers and a... relegated player|publisher=Televisão Independente|language=pt|date=19 May 2024|access-date=31 October 2024}} being consequently included in the Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/jota-silva-fecha-o-onze-do-ano-da-primeira-liga|title=Jota Silva fecha o 'Onze do Ano' da Primeira Liga|trans-title=Jota Silva completes the First League's 'All-Star Team'|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=13 June 2024|access-date=31 October 2024}}

Inácio made his 200th competitive appearance on 23 February 2025, in a 2–2 away draw against AVS.{{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/3389712709/goncalo-inacio-homenageado-pelos-200-jogos-no-sporting/|title=Gonçalo Inácio homenageado pelos 200 jogos no Sporting|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio honoured for 200 games at Sporting|newspaper=O Jogo|language=pt|date=4 March 2025|access-date=9 March 2025}}

Inácio represented Portugal at under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels, for a total of 19 caps.{{cite news|url=https://tribunaexpresso.pt/selecao/2021-08-30-Goncalo-Inacio-dispensado-da-selecao-devido-a-problemas-fisicos-12f1bde5|title=Gonçalo Inácio dispensado da seleção devido a problemas físicos|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio released by the national team due to physical problems|newspaper=Expresso|language=pt|date=30 August 2021|access-date=31 October 2021}} He was called up to the senior side by Fernando Santos on 26 August 2021, for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and the Republic of Ireland and a friendly with Qatar.{{cite web|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/selecao-nacional/otavio-e-goncalo-inacio-convocados-por-fernando-santos_d1344591|title=Otávio e Gonçalo Inácio convocados por Fernando Santos|trans-title=Otávio and Gonçalo Inácio called by Fernando Santos|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|first=Mário|last=Aleixo|language=pt|date=26 August 2021|access-date=31 October 2021}} Four days later, however, he was dropped from the squad after picking up an injury on his left thigh.{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/selecao-nacional/30-08-2021/selecao-goncalo-inacio-dispensado-por-lesao|title=Seleção: Gonçalo Inácio dispensado por lesão|trans-title=National team: Gonçalo Inácio released due to injury|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=30 August 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}

On 12 November 2021, Inácio made his under-21 debut, playing the entire 1–0 win in Cyprus in the 2023 UEFA European Championship qualifying stage.{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2021/11/12/desporto/noticia/portugal-embalado-magia-vitinha-eficacia-ramos-1984749|title=Portugal embalado pela magia de Vitinha e a eficácia de Ramos|trans-title=Portugal propelled by Vitinha magic and Ramos efficiency|newspaper=Público|language=pt|date=12 November 2021|access-date=16 November 2021}} He scored his first goal in the reverse fixture four days later, in a 6–0 rout in Faro.{{cite web|url=https://rr.sapo.pt/bola-branca/noticia/clube-portugal/2021/11/16/portugal-goleia-chipre-e-lidera-corrida-ao-euro-sub-21/261011/|title=Portugal goleia Chipre e lidera corrida ao Euro sub-21|trans-title=Portugal rout Cyprus and lead under-21 Euro race|publisher=Rádio Renascença|language=pt|date=16 November 2021|access-date=16 November 2021}}

In October 2022, Inácio was named in a preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/selecoes/detalhe/cmtv-revela-lista-de-pre-convocados-para-o-mundial2022-conheca-todos-os-nomes?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais|title=A lista de pré-convocados da Seleção para o Mundial'2022: conheça todos os nomes|trans-title=The pre-selected for the 2022 World Cup: know all the names|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=23 October 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}} His first appearance took place on 23 March 2023, when he played the entire 4–0 victory over Liechtenstein in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers which was the first game in charge of new manager Roberto Martínez.{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/selecao/3146-ronaldo-at-the-double-as-portugal-beat-liechtenstein-4-0-in-the-euro-2024-qualifiers|title=Ronaldo at the double as Portugal beat Liechtenstein 4–0 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Matthew|last=Marshall|date=23 March 2023|access-date=23 March 2023}} On 11 September, still during that stage, he scored his first and second goals in a 9–0 home defeat of Luxembourg, Portugal's biggest win in international history.{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/portugal/selecao-nacional/portugal-9-0-luxemburgo-cronica|title=Portugal 9–0 Luxemburgo (crónica)|trans-title=Portugal 9–0 Luxembourg (report)|publisher=Mais Futebol|first=Pedro|last=Lemos|language=pt|date=11 September 2023|access-date=11 September 2023}}

Inácio was selected for the Euro 2024 finals.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5509185/2024/05/21/portugal-euro-2024-squad/|title=Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad: Pedro Neto one of nine Premier League players included, Matheus Nunes left out|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Tim|last=Spiers|date=21 May 2024|access-date=21 May 2024}} In the team's opening match against the Czech Republic, he replaced Diogo Dalot in the 63rd minute of the 2–1 comeback win.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c3ggyn075p8t|title=Portugal 2–1 Czech Republic|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Gary|last=Rose|date=18 June 2024|access-date=7 July 2024}} He also featured 90 minutes of the final group fixture, a 2–0 loss to Georgia,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cqllllkd73dt|title=Georgia 2–0 Portugal|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Adam|last=Millington|date=26 June 2024|access-date=7 July 2024}} in a quarter-final elimination against France.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cy79llev4znt|title=Portugal 0–0 France (France win 5–3 on pens)|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Emma|last=Sanders|date=5 July 2024|access-date=7 July 2024}}

Inácio has been predominantly deployed as a central defender, but can also play as a left-back and a midfielder due to his attributes.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/ruben-amorim-inspira-se-em-guardiola-goncalo-inacio-foi-medio-com-o-maritimo|title=Rúben Amorim inspira-se em Guardiola: Gonçalo Inácio foi médio com o Marítimo|trans-title=Rúben Amorim takes inspiration from Guardiola: Gonçalo Inácio played midfielder with Marítimo|newspaper=Record|first1=João|last1=Soares Ribeiro|first2=Ricardo|last2=Granada|language=pt|date=16 July 2023|access-date=2 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/taca-da-liga/artigos/ruben-amorim-comenta-interesse-do-manchester-united-gyokeres-feliz-pelo-hat-trick|title=Rúben Amorim comenta interesse do Manchester United, Gyokeres feliz pelo hat-trick|trans-title=Rúben Amorim talks about Manchester United interest, Gyokeres happy with hat-trick|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=2 November 2023|access-date=2 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/videos/ruben-amorim-explica-goncalo-inacio-no-meio-campo/65442aeb0cf23250d70e79bc|title=Ruben Amorim explica Gonçalo Inácio no meio-campo|trans-title=Ruben Amorim explains Gonçalo Inácio in midfield|publisher=CNN Portugal|language=pt|date=2 November 2023|access-date=2 November 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://observador.pt/programas/relat-rio-de-jogo/goncalo-inacio-a-medio-e-boa-aposta-de-amorim/|title="Gonçalo Inácio a médio é boa aposta de Amorim"|trans-title="Gonçalo Inácio at midfielder is a good bet by Amorim"|newspaper=Observador|first=Mário|last=Cagica|language=pt|date=2 November 2023|access-date=2 November 2023}} He is noted for his anticipation, composure, decisions, positioning, tackling and passing ability, including long-range passes which enables him to break down attacks and subsequently play the ball out or start offensive plays from the back, as well as for his acceleration, agility and pace.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/inteligencia-artificial-coloca-goncalo-inacio-entre-os-melhores-jovens-centrais-da-europa|title=Inteligência Artificial coloca Gonçalo Inácio entre os melhores jovens centrais da Europa|trans-title=Artificial Intelligence puts Gonçalo Inácio amongst Europe's best young stoppers|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=18 February 2022|access-date=16 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foottheball.com/players-in-focus/goncalo-inacio-stats-profile-sporting-scout-report-transfer-news-analysis-potential/|title=Goncalo Inacio: Nicknamed 'The Portuguese Boss' – He's the next big defensive transfer target for elite clubs|publisher=Foot The Ball|first=Arnold|last=Lewis|date=18 August 2022|access-date=16 August 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.abola.pt/nnh/2023-07-19/sporting-o-novo-goncalo-inacio-e-um-menino-destemido-a-analise-ao-leao/997115|title=Sporting-Genk: Análise individual e jogadores em destaque|trans-title=Sporting-Genk: Individual analysis and highlighted players|newspaper=A Bola|first=Rui|last=Baioneta|language=pt|date=19 July 2023|access-date=17 August 2023}}

Inácio was a Sporting fan since he was a child, and his brother Rodrigo was born with a disability. The former considered himself a shy person who did not feel comfortable posting about himself on social media; his favourite hobbies were playing street football and the PlayStation alone or with friends.{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/goncalo-inacio-queria-era-ser-guarda-redes-mas-o-meu-pai-nao-deixou|title=Gonçalo Inácio: "Queria era ser guarda-redes mas o meu pai não deixou"|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio: "What I really wanted to be was a goalkeeper but my father did not let me"|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=10 December 2021|access-date=3 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLHHmuYNOlE|title=ADN de Leão {{!}} Episódio 48: Gonçalo Inácio|trans-title=Lion DNA {{!}} Episode 48: Gonçalo Inácio|publisher=YouTube|language=pt|access-date=28 September 2023}}

{{updated|match played 22 April 2025}}{{Soccerway|goncalo-bernardo-inacio/660445}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{updated|match played 23 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=32306|title=Gonçalo Inácio|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=23 March 2023}}

:Portugal score listed first, score column indicates score after each Inácio goal.

Sporting CP

• Primeira Liga: 2020–21, 2023–24{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/club-news/3861-seven-reasons-sporting-are-champions-of-portugal|title=Seven reasons Sporting are champions of Portugal|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Tom|last=Kundert|date=6 May 2024|access-date=6 May 2024}}
• Taça da Liga: 2020–21,{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/club-news/1933-sporting-battle-their-way-to-cup-victory-over-braga|title=Sporting battle their way to League Cup glory with victory over Braga|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Patrick|last=Ribeiro|date=23 January 2021|access-date=11 February 2021}} 2021–22
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.sporting.pt/en/news/football/main-team/2021-07-31/sporting-cp-win-supertaca-victory-over-sc-braga|title=Sporting CP win Supertaça with victory over SC Braga|publisher=Sporting CP|date=31 July 2021|access-date=31 July 2021}}

Individual

• Primeira Liga Team of the Year: 2023–24{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/jota-silva-fecha-o-onze-do-ano-da-primeira-liga|title=Jota Silva fecha o 'Onze do Ano' da Primeira Liga|trans-title=Jota Silva completes the First League's 'All-Star Team'|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=13 June 2024|access-date=14 June 2024}}
• SJPF Young Player of the Month: November 2021{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/goncalo-inacio-foi-o-melhor-jogador-jovem-em-novembro|title=Gonçalo Inácio foi o melhor jogador jovem em novembro|trans-title=Gonçalo Inácio was the best young player in November|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=17 December 2021|access-date=6 May 2024}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.sporting.pt/pt/futebol/equipa-principal/plantel/goncalo-bernardo-inacio Sporting official profile] {{in lang|pt}}
• {{ForaDeJogo|200108250001}}
• {{FPF national player|950268}}
• {{NFT player|90474}}

{{Sporting CP squad}}

{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2024}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Inacio, Goncalo}}

Category:2001 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Portuguese sportsmen

Category:Portuguese men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Almada

Category:Men's association football central defenders

Category:Primeira Liga players

Category:Sporting CP footballers

Category:Portugal men's youth international footballers

Category:Portugal men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Portugal men's international footballers

Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players