Sporting Lisbon have reached an agreement to appoint Paulo Fonseca as their new head coach, bringing the Portuguese manager closer to leaving Lyon and returning to his homeland.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that an agreement had been reached, while Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Fonseca was eager to take charge of the club he supports.
The development comes as Sporting begin the process of parting ways with Rui Borges following a start to the league campaign that has fallen short of the board’s expectations.
Fonseca Closes In on Dream Sporting Job
Fonseca believes Sporting’s current squad is capable of performing at a higher level, encouraging him to accept the project and move closer to fulfilling his dream of coaching his favourite club.
Sporting have announced that reserve-team coach Tiago Fernandes will take temporary charge for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
According to A Bola, Fonseca is expected to be unveiled and begin work on Wednesday or Thursday. His first match is set to be against Moreirense on Saturday, November 7, in the 11th round of the Portuguese league.
Sporting sit third with 21 points from 10 matches, nine points behind leaders Porto, leaving the incoming coach with the immediate task of closing the gap.
Fonseca’s Lyon Record Ahead of His Departure
Fonseca took charge of Lyon in January 2025, overseeing 83 matches and recording 47 wins, 12 draws and 24 defeats.
His side beat Angers 2–0 on Sunday to climb to third in Ligue 1 with 17 points from nine matches.
Ernest Nuamah and Corentin Tolisso scored the goals in Lyon’s fifth league victory of the season, returning the team to winning ways after their recent setbacks.
The coach appeared emotional after the match, embracing his players with tears in his eyes as reports of his move to the Portuguese capital gathered pace.
Fonseca’s Career Before His Return to Portugal
The 53-year-old began his coaching career in the lower divisions before making his name at Paços de Ferreira, whom he led to third place in the Portuguese league in the 2012–13 season.
He then moved to Porto before returning to Paços de Ferreira, later guiding Braga to the Portuguese Cup title in 2016.
His most successful spell came at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won three Ukrainian league titles. He subsequently coached Roma, Lille and AC Milan before joining Lyon.
The Sporting job would bring him back to Portuguese league football a decade after his departure, with the challenge of restoring domestic stability before tackling a demanding European schedule.
