Who is Dario Essugo? Know all About Chelsea's new signing who broke Luis Figo Record in Portugal

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Chelsea have announced the signing of Dario Essugo, who has joined the Premier League club from Sporting Portugal.

Essugo, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, has signed a long-term contract till 2033 at the London club and is expected to play for the Blues in the upcoming Club World Cup.

Who is Dario Essugo?

Dario Cassia Luís Essugo was born on March 14, 2005, in Odivelas, Portugal. He is of Angolan descent and grew up in the Lisbon metropolitan area. From a young age, Essugo showcased an innate talent for football, which led to his early enrollment at UDR Santa Maria in 2013.

In 2014, he joined the Sporting CP academy, where his development accelerated rapidly. His maturity, composure, and understanding of the game stood out even as a teenager, helping him make a seamless transition from youth to senior-level football.

Dario Essugo Club Career

Sporting CP: Essugo made his professional debut on March 20, 2021, at just 16 years and 6 days old, becoming the youngest player to represent the club's first team. He later became the youngest Portuguese player to feature in a UFA Champions League match and the youngest starter in a Primeira Liga match for Sporting, breaking Luís Figo’s record.

Loan Spells: In January 2024, he was loaned to Chaves in Portugal to gain top-flight experience. His next move was to Las Palmas in Spain's La Liga for the 2024–25 season, where he made 27 appearances and scored once.

Chelsea FC: In March 2025, Essugo agreed to join Chelsea for £18.5 million. The transfer has become effective in June 2025, and he signed an eight-year deal with the Premier League club.

Playing Style and Strengths

Essugo is a deep-lying midfielder known for his physicality, anticipation, and ability to break up opposition play. His strengths include tackling, interception, and reading of the game, making him an ideal fit for systems that emphasize ball recovery and structured pressing.

Career Statistics

Achievements

• Primeira Liga Champion: 2020–21, 2023–24, 2024–25
• Taça da Liga Winner: 2020–21, 2021–22
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2021

Unique Facts

• Youngest player to debut for Sporting CP's first team (16 years, 6 days)
• Youngest Portuguese player in UEFA Champions League history
• Broke Luís Figo’s record as Sporting's youngest league starter
• Youngest player to win the Primeira Liga with Sporting CP