Diego Moreira Explained

Diego Moreira should not be confused with Diogo Moreira.

Diego Moreira
Full Name:Diego Manuel Jadon da Silva Moreira
Birth Date:6 August 2004[1]
Birth Place:Liège, Belgium
Height:1.79 m
Position:Forward,Left Back,Left Midfield
Currentclub:Strasbourg
Clubnumber:7
Youthyears1:–2020
Youthclubs1:Standard Liège
Youthyears2:2020–2021
Youthclubs2:Benfica
Years1:2021–2023
Clubs1:Benfica B
Caps1:25
Goals1:3
Years2:2022–2023
Clubs2:Benfica
Caps2:1
Goals2:0
Years3:2023–2024
Clubs3:Chelsea
Caps3:0
Goals3:0
Years4:2023–2024
Clubs4:→ Lyon (loan)
Caps4:7
Goals4:0
Years5:2024–
Clubs5:Strasbourg
Caps5:12
Goals5:1
Nationalyears1:2019
Nationalteam1:Belgium U15
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2019–2020
Nationalteam2:Portugal U16
Nationalcaps2:12
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2021
Nationalteam3:Portugal U18
Nationalcaps3:8
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2022–2023
Nationalteam4:Portugal U19
Nationalcaps4:12
Nationalgoals4:2
Nationalyears5:2023–
Nationalteam5:Portugal U20
Nationalcaps5:4
Nationalgoals5:0
Nationalyears6:2023–
Nationalteam6:Portugal U21
Nationalcaps6:4
Nationalgoals6:0
Club-Update:24 November 2024
Nationalteam-Update:18:02, 21 November 2023 (UTC)

Diego Manuel Jadon da Silva Moreira (pronounced as /pt/; born 6 August 2004), also known as Moreira Jr. is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. Born in Belgium, he is a Portuguese youth international.

Early life

Moreira was born in Liège, where his father, former Guinea-Bissau international Almami Moreira, was then playing professional football at Standard de Liege.[2] [3] [4] From his mother's side, Moreira is the grandson of Helmut Graf, a German-born footballer who also played for the Belgian club from 1976 to 1982.[5] [6] [7]

Club career

Early career

Coming through the youth ranks at Standard—where his father played until 2006[6] — Moreira first tried to leave the club in 2019 for personal reasons, training with Lierse Kempenzonen, but with the Belgian federation eventually not approving his move.[8] He ended up leaving Les Rouches for Benfica in August 2020, signing his first professional contract with the club from Lisbon, where his father lived.[9]

Benfica

Moreira started to play with Benfica's under-23 in the Liga Revelação midway through the 2020–21 season.[10] During the following season, he became a regular starter with the U23 team—scoring his first goal with the team during a 3–0 Lisbon derby win against Sporting.[11] He made his professional debut for Benfica B on the 10 January 2022, replacing Tiago Gouveia for the last 15 minutes of a 1–2 home Segunda Liga loss to rivals Porto B.[12] [13]

He played a major role in the UEFA Youth League, where Benfica U19 topped their group against Dynamo Kyiv, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Moreira most notably scoring a goal against the latter during a 4–0 home win in October 2021.[14] [15] In the final phases, he scored a brace and provided two assists in a 4–0 derby win against Sporting in the quarter-finals; and provided another two assists in the final in a 6–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg to help Benfica win their first Youth League title, and their first title in European football since the 1961–62 European Cup.[16]

Under interim manager Nélson Veríssimo, Moreira was promoted to Benfica's first team alongside seven other Benfica youth team players, making his debut on 13 May 2022, in a 2–0 away win to Paços de Ferreira in the Primeira Liga.[17] However, after refusing to sign a new contract during the pre-season, he was demoted to the B team, and sporadically appeared for the latter, with the team's manager Luís Castro deeming his situation "difficult", before returning to the under-23's for the rest of the season.[18]

Chelsea

On 1 July 2023, Moreira joined Premier League club Chelsea, following the expiration of his contract with Benfica.[19] On 30 August 2023, he made his debut for the club starting in their EFL Cup second round tie against AFC Wimbledon, featuring for 45 minutes in the eventual 2–1 victory.[20]

Lyon (loan)

On 1 September 2023, Moreira joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a season-long loan.[21] He made his debut for the club on 17 September, coming off the bench to replace Ernest Nuamah on the 77th minute of a 0–0 league draw at home to Le Havre.[22] Six days later, he made his first start for Les Gones, playing 52 minutes in a 1–0 league loss away at Brest.[23]

On 22 January 2024, Moreira was recalled from his loan by Chelsea.[24]

Strasbourg

On 16 August 2024, Moreira joined Ligue 1 club Strasbourg on a permanent transfer.[25]

International career

A dual citizen of Belgium and Portugal[26] —while also eligible to play for both Guinea-Bissau and Germany—Moreira first played with the Belgium under-15 as he was a starter during their 3–1 win against England at St George's Park in February 2019.[27] [28]

But even before leaving to play his club football in Portugal, the youngster chose to switch for the Lusitanian selection in 2019, becoming a regular with the under-16 and—after a covid-interrupted 2020–21 season—with the under-18.[29] [30] [31]

Style of play

A left-footed winger able to play on both sides of the attack, Moreira is described as a fast, explosive and technically gifted footballer, most notably excelling in dribbling past his opponent. He is compared to the likes of Portuguese international Nani.[32]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Benfica B2021–22Liga Portugal 210———10
2022–23Liga Portugal 2243———243
Total253———253
Benfica2021–22Primeira Liga1000000010
2022–23Primeira Liga0000001010
Total1000001020
Chelsea2023–24Premier League000010—10
Lyon (loan)2023–24Ligue 17020——90
Strasbourg2024–25Ligue 112100——121
Career total454201010494

Honours

Benfica U19

2021–22[33]

2021–22[34]

2022[35]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Diego Moreira: Overview . Premier League . 31 August 2024.
  2. Web site: Jacques. Maxime. 2020-08-21. Fin du bras de fer : le fils d'Almani Moreira rejoint Benfica. live. 2022-01-19. La Dernière Heure. fr. https://web.archive.org/web/20201022161118/https://www.dhnet.be/sports/football/division-1a/standard/fin-du-bras-de-fer-le-fils-d-almani-moreira-rejoint-benfica-5f3e98e17b50a677fbd28539 . 22 October 2020 .
  3. Web site: Durand. Joachim. 2020-08-21. Officiel : Le fils d'Almami Moreira quitte le Standard. live. 2022-01-19. Walfoot.be. fr. https://web.archive.org/web/20220119002324/https://www.walfoot.be/news/2020-08-21/officiel--diego-moreira-quitte-le-standard . 19 January 2022 .
  4. Web site: 20 Oct 2021. Filho de ex-jogador marca golaço ao Bayern no Seixal. live. 2022-01-19. Maisfutebol. pt. https://web.archive.org/web/20211020151414/https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica/diego-moreira/video-filho-de-ex-jogador-marca-golaco-ao-bayern-no-seixal . 20 October 2021 .
  5. Web site: 31 Jan 2013. On a retrouvé Helmut Graf. 2022-01-19. L'Avenir. fr. Inutile de dire que s'il perce, on rappellera que Diego Moreira-Graf avait ça dans le sang, un peu comme son (grand)-père..
  6. Web site: 2010-04-08. Diego, le fils… d'Almami. 2022-01-19. La Dernière Heure. fr.
  7. Web site: 2020-08-20. Officiel: Diego Da Silva Moreira (ex-Standard) signe un contrat pro à Benfica. limited. 2022-01-19. La Meuse. Groupe Sudpresse. fr. Fils d'Almani Moreira (Standard de 2001 à 2006) et petit-fils de Helmut Graf (Standard de 1976 à 1982), il est également international chez les jeunes du Portugal, il affiche ainsi douze sélections et un but avec les U16 de la sélection lusitanienne..
  8. Web site: Belga. 2019-12-07. La Commission des Litiges d'appel confirme l'annulation du transfert du joueur du Standard Da Silva Moreira au Lierse. live. 2022-01-19. Le Soir. fr. https://web.archive.org/web/20191225172922/https://www.lesoir.be/265458/article/2019-12-07/la-commission-des-litiges-dappel-confirme-lannulation-du-transfert-du-joueur-du . 25 December 2019 .
  9. Web site: 2020-08-20. Officiel: Diego Da Silva Moreira (ex-Standard) signe un contrat pro à Benfica. limited. 2022-01-19. La Meuse. . fr. Fils d'Almani Moreira (Standard de 2001 à 2006) et petit-fils de Helmut Graf (Standard de 1976 à 1982), il est également international chez les jeunes du Portugal, il affiche ainsi douze sélections et un but avec les U16 de la sélection lusitanienne..
  10. Web site: 23 Jan 2021. Maturidade desequilibrou. live. 2022-01-25. SL Benfica. pt. https://web.archive.org/web/20220125104506/https://www.slbenfica.pt/pt-pt/agora/noticias/2021/01/23/futebol-sub-23-benfica-rio-ave-4-jornada-apuramento-campeao-taca-revelacao . 25 January 2022 .
  11. Web site: Mendes. Miguel. 19 Dec 2021. Benfica soma e segue e vence dérbi no Seixal (Liga Revelação). 2022-01-25. A Bola. pt.
  12. Web site: Lopes. Sérgio. 10 January 2022. Benfica B-FC Porto B, 1-2: Peglow despeja balde de água fria. subscription. live. 2022-01-18. Record. pt-PT. https://web.archive.org/web/20220110222823/https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/2--liga/detalhe/a-cronica-do-benfica-b-fc-porto-b-1-2-peglow-despeja-balde-de-agua-fria . 10 January 2022.
  13. Web site: 10 January 2022. F. C. Porto B vence Benfica B no Seixal ncom golo o último minuto. live. 2022-01-18. Jornal de Notícias. pt-PT. https://web.archive.org/web/20220110193439/https://www.jn.pt/desporto/f-c-porto-b-vence-benfica-b-no-seixal-ncom-golo-o-ultimo-minuto-14478283.html . 10 January 2022 .
  14. Web site: 20 Oct 2021. Youth League: Benfica-Bayern. 2022-01-25. O Jogo. pt-PT.
  15. Web site: 20 October 2021. Categórico escreveu-se com golos. 2022-01-25. SL Benfica. pt.
  16. Web site: Benfica: a história dos 24 jogadores que venceram a Youth League. maisfutebol.iol.pt. 13 May 2022. 26 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221026082110/https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/amp/benfica/youth-league/benfica-a-historia-dos-24-jogadores-que-venceram-a-youth-league. dead.
  17. Web site: BENFICA VENCE EM PAÇOS DE FERREIRA (2-0) COM BIS DE HENRIQUE ARAÚJO. abola.pt. 13 May 2022. 17 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220617105658/https://abola.pt/nnh/2022-05-13/liga-bis-de-henrique-araujo-no-adeus-a-2021-2022/940887. dead.
  18. Web site: Diego Moreira deixa o Benfica e assina pelo Chelsea. zerozero.pt.
  19. News: Moreira signs for Chelsea. 1 July 2023. Chelsea F.C.. 1 July 2023.
  20. News: Chelsea vs. AFC Wimbledon . Soccerway . 30 August 2023 . 30 August 2023.
  21. Web site: Moreira departs for Lyon on loan . 2023-09-02 . www.chelseafc.com . en-gb.
  22. Web site: Vegas . Paul . 2023-09-18 . Chelsea winger Diego Moreira happy with Lyon debut . 2023-09-24 . Yardbarker . en.
  23. Web site: 24 September 2023 . Lyon de Anthony e Diego Moreira perde na estreia do novo treinador . Anthony and Diego Moreira's Lyon loses in new manager's debut . Maisfutebol . pt-pt.
  24. Web site: Diego Moreira recalled from Lyon loan . 22 January 2024 . 22 January 2024 . Chelsea F.C. . en.
  25. Web site: Diego Moreira departs Chelsea . 2024-08-16 . www.chelseafc.com . en-gb.
  26. Web site: Franken. Christphe. 2021-03-15. Ces joueurs qui pourraient choisir les Diables: des binationaux à la pelle chez nous. live. 2022-01-23. La Dernière Heure. fr. L'attaquant Diego Moreira (17 ans), fils de l'ancien Standardman Moreira, qui est une promesse de Benfica. https://web.archive.org/web/20210315072426/https://www.dhnet.be/sports/football/diablesrouges/ces-joueurs-qui-pourraient-choisir-les-diables-dans-le-futur-des-binationaux-a-la-pelle-chez-nous-604e2f117b50a605179e4fc3 . 15 March 2021 .
  27. Web site: 13 Feb 2019. Lineups England U-15 vs Belgium U-15 - Amistosos Selecciones Sub 15 2019. live. 2022-01-23. Besoccer. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20220123123227/https://www.besoccer.com/match/seleccion-inglaterra-sub-15/seleccion-belgica-sub-15/2019597867/lineups . 23 January 2022 .
  28. Web site: 13 February 2019. Les U15 clôturent leur stage par une victoire. live. 2022-01-23. Royal Belgian FA. https://web.archive.org/web/20220123123229/https://www.rbfa.be/fr/nouvelles/les-u15-cloturent-leur-stage-par-une-victoire . 23 January 2022 .
  29. Web site: 26 Aug 2021. Seleção Sub-18 com cinco benfiquistas. 2022-01-23. SL Benfica. pt.
  30. Web site: September 3, 2021. Sub-18: Portugal vence a França com reviravolta no torneio de Limoges. 2022-01-23. Maisfutebol. pt.
  31. Web site: Lusa. 11 Nov 2021. Portugal vence Bélgica na estreia no Torneio Internacional de Pinatar em sub-18. 2022-01-23. SAPO Desporto. pt.
  32. Web site: Lorini. Simone. 6 Jan 2022. Un talento al giorno, Diego Moreira: ala dribblomane sulla scia dei grandi portoghesi. 2022-01-25. TUTTOmercatoWEB.com. it.
  33. https://www.zerozero.pt/xray.php?jogador_na_equipa_id=6444&jogador_id=722999&epoca_id=151 Raio X de Jogador Diego Moreira Benfica zerozero.pt
  34. https://web.archive.org/web/20220426135322/https://www.abola.pt/clubes/2022-04-26/benfica-conheca-os-24-herois-da-youth-league/938266/40 Conheça os 24 heróis da Youth League (Benfica)
  35. Web site: Sub-20: a Taça Intercontinental é nossa!. 21 August 2022. pt. S.L. Benfica. 25 August 2022.

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