Portugal U21

The Portugal national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). They are nicknamed "Esperanças". Esperança means hope, thus they are Portugal's hopes for the future.

Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Portuguese under-21 team was formed. Until 1994, the team had a rather poor record, failing to qualify for each of the first eight UEFA under-21 Championships. Since 1994, the team has improved its record greatly, qualifying for five of the next seven tournaments, including the 2006 finals.

Having qualified for the 2006 tournament finals, UEFA announced that Portugal would host the finals in May and June. From 2007 onwards, host nations will be announced before the qualification stage and will not need to qualify.

The Portugal U21 national football team represents Portugal in international under-21 competitions and is governed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Established to nurture and develop young talent, the team serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aspiring to join the senior national squad.

Portugal U21 has a rich history of success, showcasing a blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and flair that is characteristic of Portuguese football. The team competes in various tournaments, including the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where they have made notable appearances and achieved commendable results over the years.

The squad is typically composed of promising young players from top clubs in Portugal and across Europe, providing them with invaluable experience on the international stage. The coaching staff focuses on developing players' abilities, fostering teamwork, and instilling a strong competitive spirit.

With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence, Portugal U21 continues to be a vital part of the country's footballing landscape, aiming to produce the next generation of stars who will represent Portugal at the highest levels of the sport.