Official: Sporting CP announces controversial Fonseca

Paulo Fonseca leaves Lyon to become Sporting CP's new manager on a deal until 2030, replacing Rui Borges.

Sporting CP announced Paulo Fonseca as their new head coach on Wednesday, bringing the Portuguese manager from Lyon on a contract through 2030. Sporting will pay Lyon €5 million for the appointment. Fonseca replaces Rui Borges, who was recently sacked.

Lyon confirmed Fonseca's departure earlier that day and criticized the manager for leaving mid-season. Fonseca responded to the criticism by stating that managing Sporting "is my dream since childhood." The 51-year-old returns to Portugal after 11 years abroad, having previously managed Paços de Ferreira, Braga (where he won the Portuguese Cup), and Porto.

Fonseca's most successful period came at Shakhtar Donetsk between 2016 and 2019, where he won three Ukrainian league titles, three cups, and a Super Cup. He left Shakhtar following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequently managed Roma, Lille, AC Milan, and Lyon before joining Sporting.