Portuguese side Guarda FC rope in India youth international Yohaan Benjamin
Yohaan joins Guarda FC on a two-year deal.
India youth international Yohaan Benjamin has joined Portuguese fourth division side Guarda FC on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance and visa formalities. The 18-year-old last played for Slovenian side NK Bravo in their U-19 team.
This move comes just weeks after Indian entrepreneur and football enthusiast; Jai Agarwal acquired the majority stakes at Guarda FC and was appointed as the club’s CEO.
Yohaan’s arrival to the Portuguese side marks a significant step for the young footballer’s career.
What does this move mean for Yohaan Benjamin?
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Yohaan Benjamin has been very impressive so far. The Mumbai born footballer recently played for the Slovenian side NK Bravo U-19 and featured in the UEFA Youth League.
He was also recently called up for India U-20’s friendly against Yemen and Singapore but was however left out of the final squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers by head coach Mahesh Gawali. However, he has featured for the India U-19 team and even won the SAFF Championship.
The midfielder has also played for Shillong Lajong FC and progressed through their academy setup as well.
This move could help him grow as a player, consistently playing and training in Portugal. Perhaps a good mark left at Guarda FC may even help him catch the eyes of scouts and help Yohaan get a move to higher divisions.
First reactions to Yohaan’s arrival
Following Yohaan’s move to Guarda FC, club CEO Jai Agarwal and manager Rui Ferreira shared their views. Yohaan Benjamin also shared his excitement.
Guarda FC CEO, Mr. Jai Agarwal said, “Yohaan is exactly the kind of player we want at Guarda FC – ambitious, committed and hungry to succeed. We’re delighted to have secured his signature on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance and visa formalities. We’re very excited to welcome Yohaan to Guarda and look forward to seeing him make his mark with the club. Hopefully, this will inspire many young Indians to pursue their dreams in football.”
The manager of Guarda FC, Rui Ferreira said, “India and South Asia have a huge amount of footballing talent, and I think the biggest challenge is creating the right pathways for young players to be discovered and developed. We’re not looking at one country or one market — we’re looking at talent wherever it exists. Yohaan is a player we believe has the qualities and potential to develop in our environment, and we’re excited to help him take the next step in his career.”
Yohaan Benjamin on signing with Guarda FC, “Signing for Guarda FC means a lot to me. It’s another important step in my journey in Europe and an opportunity to keep growing, competing and proving myself at a higher level. I’m grateful to the club for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”
What is the duration of Yohaan Benjamin’s contract with Guarda FC?
Yohaan Benjamin has signed a two-year deal with Guarda FC.
Which division does Guarda FC play in?
Guarda FC plays in the fourth-division of Portugal.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.