Flávio Nazinho receives first senior call-up for Portugal

AS Monaco defender Flávio Nazinho has received his first-ever call-up to the senior Portugal national team. The announcement was initially made public by his club on Monday morning, ahead of the squad's final two group-stage fixtures in the UEFA Nations League against Denmark and Wales.

The 23-year-old left-back joins the squad following a wave of physical issues affecting the national team's initial roster. Reports indicate that the selection change comes amid fitness concerns surrounding Lazio defender Nuno Tavares, who was forced off at halftime during a recent match against Napoli due to physical problems.

Portugal currently leads Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League with 12 points and has already secured qualification for the quarterfinals. The team needs just one more point to officially clinch first place in the group, with fixtures scheduled against Denmark at the Municipal Stadium of Braga and away against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Born in Almada, Nazinho came through the youth systems of several clubs before joining Sporting CP in 2018 at the age of 15. He made his professional debut for Sporting's senior team under manager Rúben Amorim in November 2021 during a UEFA Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund.

Following his development at Sporting and an eventual move to Belgium with Cercle Brugge, where he made 94 official appearances, Nazinho transferred to AS Monaco during the summer transfer window. Under coach Filipe Luís in the French Ligue 1, he has established himself as a key contributor, featuring in 14 matches and recording one goal and two assists this season.

Having represented Portugal across various youth levels from under-16 to under-21 with 23 total youth caps, Nazinho now prepares for his potential senior debut. Speaking previously about his career progression, the defender noted his desire to take things step by step and seize the opportunities presented to him at the highest level of European football.