Porto is buzzing with anticipation as the Arena Liga Portugal prepares to host the 3rd edition of the Liga Portugal Awards. This prestigious ceremony, a cornerstone event in the Portuguese football calendar, is dedicated to celebrating the pinnacle of professional football. It`s a night designed to honor the athletes, strategists, and administrators who left an indelible mark on the sport during the recently concluded season and to set an inspiring tone for the 2024-25 campaign.
A Homecoming for Professional Football
For the first time in its history, the Liga Portugal Awards will be held at the league`s very own headquarters, the Arena Liga Portugal. This move signifies more than just a change of venue; it`s a symbolic homecoming that underscores the league`s deep connection to the sport it governs. Susana da Silva Curto, Executive Director of Liga Portugal, articulated this sentiment with profound pride.
“For the first time, we have the immense honor of hosting this event in our own home, opening our doors not only to those attending live but also to everyone watching via Sport TV,” stated Curto. “The Arena Liga Portugal is more than just our headquarters; it is, above all, the true home of Professional Football. We boast a Congress Centre fully equipped to accommodate events of this magnitude. It will be both a pleasure and an immense honor to welcome everyone to our house.”
This gesture transforms the event into a truly intimate affair, celebrating the sport from its very core. It`s an opportunity to showcase the infrastructure and dedication that underpins Portuguese football, offering a unique experience for attendees and viewers alike.
Beyond the Trophies: Honouring Legacies and Upholding Values
While the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on the season`s top performers – the dazzling players, ingenious coaches, and astute officials receiving their well-deserved accolades – the Liga Portugal Awards is designed to be much more than a mere prize-giving ceremony. This year, the event will carry a particularly poignant resonance, featuring a special segment dedicated to remembering and dignifying figures who dedicated their lives to football and have sadly passed away over the last year.
“Unfortunately, this year, we lost several important personalities from the football world,” Curto reflected. “We want to reserve a moment during the ceremony to remember and dignify all who contributed to the value of our sport.” This tribute serves as a vital reminder of the human element in football, recognizing that the sport`s greatness is built on the shoulders of those who came before.
Furthermore, the awards night is positioned as a powerful platform to reinforce core values within the sport. Liga Portugal has introduced several initiatives for the upcoming year, heavily emphasizing fan engagement, promoting exemplary behavior, and instilling positive values throughout the football community. The message is clear and compelling:
“Above all, we aim not just to reward and recognize the outstanding figures of the past season, but also to strengthen respect and values,” Curto emphasized. “The League has several projects planned for this year, with a strong focus on the fan, on good conduct, and on the transmission of values. We must cultivate passion within the four lines, but always maintain respect outside them. It is crucial that we demonstrate this.”
In an era where the fervor of competition can sometimes spill over into undesirable conduct, this commitment to sportsmanship and ethical behavior is not just commendable but essential. The Liga Portugal Awards seeks to be a beacon, celebrating not only skill and success but also the fundamental principles that make football a beautiful game.
A Bright Future for Portuguese Professional Football
As the countdown to the 3rd Liga Portugal Awards continues, the event stands as a testament to the league`s dedication to excellence, community, and the enduring spirit of football. By bringing the ceremony home, honoring its past, and championing its values, Liga Portugal is not just celebrating a season; it is actively shaping the future of professional football in Portugal, ensuring it remains vibrant, respectful, and deeply connected to its passionate fanbase.
