As of May 28, 2025 — with the final count of votes from Portuguese emigrants inside and outside of Europe — it’s official: Chega is now the second-largest political force in Portugal. The party has overtaken the historically dominant Socialist Party (PS), taken parliamentary seats from other minor left-wing parties, and confirmed that the European wave of far-right ascendance has indeed reached Portugal.

The country now enters unfamiliar territory for the first time in fifty years of democracy. Never before, in this half-century, has a party with so little time in existence—founded in 2019—grown so rapidly. This sudden rise marks a significant shift in the political balance of a country that, remarkably, has held three legislative elections in just three years.

To understand what this means for Portuguese democracy, here’s a portrait of today’s main political forces, the historical centrist bloc, and how we got here.

The Traditional Center: PS and PSD

A two-party system dominated Portuguese politics for several decades: the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Together, they form what is known as the Bloco Central (Central Bloc) — a centrist axis that, despite ideological differences, has alternated in power and maintained consensus on key issues such as European integration and economic modernization:

• PS (Socialist Party): Center-left, social-democratic. Typically, it governs alone or with the support of further left-wing parties. In 2016, it allied with the Left Bloc and the Portuguese Communist Party in a now-famous coalition known as the “geringonça.”
• PSD (Social Democratic Party): Center-right, conservative-liberal. Previously governed often in alliance with the CDS-PP. It now leads the government under the A.D (Democratic Alliance) banner.

These two parties have shaped the direction of Portuguese democracy since the 1974 Carnation Revolution. While their political debate has always been vigorous, extreme polarization has remained absent from Portuguese political life—a point of pride often seen as reflecting the national culture: moderation, centrism, and a rejection of extremes.

The Left

Beyond the PS, the left-wing space is occupied by several more minor but significant forces:

• PCP (Portuguese Communist Party): One of the oldest communist parties in Europe and the oldest in Portugal (understandably banned during the Estado Novo dictatorship). Strongly tied to the trade union movement. The PCP advocates state investment in essential public sectors such as housing, healthcare, and education. Recently, it has been one of the most vocal parties calling for peace — both in Palestine and opposition to NATO involvement in Ukraine. The latter has been controversial and pointed out as one factor why so many electors stop voting for them.
• Left Bloc (BE): A coalition of the radical left. Advocates social justice, gender equality, and anti-austerity policies and is increasingly vocal in support of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive language — the latter criticized as disconnected from the “real problems” of Portuguese citizens. It suffered a heavy blow in the 2025 legislative elections, now holding only a single parliamentary seat, that of its leader, Mariana Mortágua.
• Livre: An eco-socialist party advocating universalism, liberty, equality, and solidarity. Firmly pro-European, it positions itself “in the middle of the left,” aiming to build a “progressive majority capable of creating political alternatives in Portugal and Europe.” In these elections, it was the only left-wing party to grow, now holding six seats in Parliament.
• PAN (People–Animals–Nature): A party focused on environmental and animal welfare issues, positioned at the center but with a left-leaning tendency. It has elected one seat, that of its leader, Inês de Sousa Real. 

The Liberal Right and the Far Right

For many years, the CDS-PP mainly represented the right — a conservative, Christian-democratic party now with little influence — and the more recent Iniciativa Liberal (Liberal Initiative, IL), founded in 2017, with a pro-market liberal orientation.

But the game-changer is now Chega.

Chega: From the Margins to the Center of Politics

Founded in 2019 by André Ventura, a former PSD member, Chega emerged with a discourse against “political correctness,” corruption, and what it sees as traditional parties’ complacency.

Its rhetoric blends nationalism, conservatism, tough-on-crime proposals — including a call to amend the Constitution to introduce life sentences — anti-immigration stances, and blunt populist language.

The numbers tell the story:

• 2019: Enters Parliament with a single deputy (André Ventura).
• 2022: Wins 12 seats with 7.8% of the vote.
• 2024: Grows exponentially, electing 50 deputies.
• 2025: With votes from overseas constituencies counted, becomes the second-largest political force in the country with 60 seats.

The party’s growth alarms some and excites others.

At the European level, Chega follows the trend of other rising far-right or nationalist movements in France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

But Why This Rapid Growth?

Several factors have been identified:

• Disillusionment with traditional parties and perceptions of corruption. Many voters, especially in rural and interior regions, feel abandoned and believe the traditional parties only care about Lisbon. The recurring devastation of wildfires and lack of investment in public services like healthcare, education, and culture have led many to radicalize and reject the Bloco Central entirely.
• A growing urban-rural divide, with Chega performing well in economically vulnerable areas. The Alentejo region is a striking example — once a stronghold of the Communist Party, it has now shifted toward the far right.
• Media visibility, through both social media — where Ventura built a strong, personalized presence — and television. Media coverage has reached extremes, with news outlets offering minute-by-minute updates of Ventura’s every move. Before the elections, his ambulance ride to the emergency room was broadcast live on all major channels.
• A broader European trend of far-right growth.

What Now for Portuguese Politics?

Chega’s rise has destabilized the political landscape, complicating the formation of stable governments. None of the major parties has agreed to form a formal coalition with Chega, but its parliamentary weight is now undeniable. 

With 60 seats in Parliament, Ventura’s party is the main opposition to the A.D’s 88 seats in government.

Possible future scenarios include:

• Minority governments with unstable support.
• Unexpected or temporary alliances to secure a majority.
• Increased polarization, with a shift in political tone and discourse.

At the same time, the rise of IL and the continued presence of BE and PCP show that voters are still seeking alternatives beyond the PS/PSD dynamic.

A New Political Era

Portugal’s long-standing reputation for political moderation is now being tested.

The presence of a far-right party as a central force in Parliament is no longer a marginal phenomenon — it is an institutional reality.

Among the reforms now being discussed is a potential constitutional revision, which some see as a cause for social alarm and others as a cause for great enthusiasm.

It remains to be seen whether this new political makeup leads to reform, greater civic engagement, or further fragmentation.

But one thing is certain: the age of political predictability in Portugal is over.

Viktor Gyökeres has once again proven his immense value to Sporting CP! On Sunday, May 25, at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras, Sporting claimed their 18th Portuguese Cup title with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Benfica. Gyökeres played a pivotal role in the club’s dramatic 2025 Taça de Portugal triumph.

The Swedish striker’s contribution was nothing short of heroic. With Benfica leading 1-0 through Orkun Kökçü’s 47th-minute opener, it seemed the trophy was destined for the red side of Lisbon. However, Gyökeres stepped up when it mattered most and converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 90+10 minute to tie the match at 1-1 and force extra time. This paved the way for Sporting’s win in extra time, where Conrad Harder and Francisco Trincão secured the victory and completed the Lions’ first domestic double since 2002.

Gyökeres – Currently Valued at €80 Million 

Gyökeres’ exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed in the transfer market. Sporting CP recently announced that they currently value their star striker at €80 million. The Portuguese champions have informed interested clubs, including Arsenal, that this is the minimum fee they will accept for their prolific forward. While Sporting are prepared to cash in on their prized asset, they won’t accept anything less than €80 million – a significant increase from the previously mentioned €65 million. Although this valuation is below his €100 million release clause, it reflects the striker’s incredible impact since his €20.5 million move from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.

Arsenal are reportedly gearing up for a major summer spending spree and want a new number 9, with Gyökeres firmly on their wishlist along with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is considered out of reach for the Gunners. Juventus are also reportedly considering bidding for the Swedish sensation as cover for next season.

The reason for such intense interest is clear: Gyökeres has been absolutely sensational at Sporting. He has scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions. The 26-year-old has helped Sporting to league titles in each of his seasons with them and has now added the Portuguese Cup to his trophy collection. In the 2024-25 season alone, he scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 matches under manager Rui Borges.

Interesting Facts

1. Viktor Gyökeres started playing football at the age of five in Stockholm.

Viktor Einar Gyökeres was born on June 4, 1998, in Stockholm, Sweden, where he began his football journey at the tender age of five with local club IFK Aspudden-Tellus. His early passion for the game was evident from childhood, as he spent countless hours honing his skills in the Swedish capital’s youth football system.

2. He has dual citizenship from Hungary and Sweden through his grandfather.

Gyökeres is of Hungarian descent through his paternal grandfather, who emigrated to Sweden generations ago. This heritage has given him dual citizenship from both Hungary and Sweden, although he chose to represent Sweden at the international level. 

3. His father Stefan Gyökeres was also a professional footballer.

The striker’s football genes come from his father, Stefan Gyökeres, who played professional football for IFK Östersund and Stugun during the 1980s and 1990s. This family connection to the sport undoubtedly influenced Viktor’s early development and understanding of the game.

4. Brighton & Hove Albion signed him when he was just 19 years old.

In September 2017, at just 19 years old, Gyökeres signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. The deal was structured to go through at the conclusion of the Superettan season, during which he had already scored 10 league goals. He finished that campaign with 13 goals in 29 league appearances, which included a memorable hat-trick on the final day that helped Brommapojkarna secure promotion to the Allsvenskan as league champions.

5. He gained experience on loan at St. Pauli and Swansea City before finding success.

Before finding his home at Sporting CP, Gyökeres gained valuable experience across different European leagues. His loan period took him to Germany’s St. Pauli in the second tier, where he adapted to the physical demands of German football, and later to Swansea City in the English Championship. During this time, he demonstrated his versatility and ability to adapt to different playing styles and cultures.

6. His breakthrough came at Coventry City after joining permanently in 2021.

Gyökeres’ permanent move to Coventry City in July 2021 proved to be the turning point in his career. During his time with the Sky Blues, he scored 17 goals in 45 league appearances in his first full season (2021-22). He established himself as a consistent goalscorer in one of England’s most competitive divisions.

7. He won Championship Player of the Month twice in the 2022-23 season.

His consistency at Coventry was so remarkable that he earned the Championship Player of the Month award twice during the 2022-23 season. He earned it first in November 2022, after scoring four goals in four games and leading Coventry to four straight wins. Then, he earned it again in March 2023, where three goals and three assists demonstrated his all-around contribution to the team’s success.

8. Sporting CP paid a club-record €20 million transfer fee for him.

Sporting CP’s €20 million investment in Gyökeres (plus €4 million in bonuses) represented a club-record transfer fee. This demonstrated their absolute faith in his abilities, which totally paid off! The deal also included a €100 million release clause and ensured that Coventry would receive 10-15% of any future transfer. It was clear that everyone saw long-term value in the Swedish striker.

9. He scored twice on his Sporting CP debut against Vizela.

Gyökeres announced his arrival in Portuguese football in spectacular fashion when he scored twice in his debut in a 3-2 league victory at home to Vizela on August 12, 2023. This immediate impact set the tone for what would become one of the most successful individual campaigns in recent Primeira Liga history.

10. He scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League

The striker’s European debut came in the UEFA Europa League against Sturm Graz on September 21, 2023, where he scored in a 2-1 victory. He later became only the second Swedish player (after Zlatan Ibrahimović) and the first Sporting player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League era, achieving this feat in a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City on November 5, 2024.

11. He scored against every Primeira Liga team in a single season!

Gyökeres has rewritten several records during his time at Sporting. He became the first player to score against every Primeira Liga team he faced in a single season, achieved the rare feat of scoring four goals in a single match twice in one season (against Farense), and became the second-highest all-time foreign goalscorer in Sporting’s history by surpassing Bas Dost’s 93 goals. Need we say more!

12. He was a joint-top scorer at the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

At the international level, Gyökeres has been equally impressive. He was the joint-top scorer at the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and shared the Golden Boot with three goals. For the senior national team, he has become a key player and notably scored four goals in a 6-0 Nations League victory over Azerbaijan in November 2024, completing his first international hat-trick in the process.

13. His signature goal celebration move remains a mystery that he refuses to explain.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Gyökeres’ persona is his signature goal celebration move where he crosses both hands over his mouth. While many have speculated about its meaning (with guesses ranging from Hannibal Lecter to Batman to Bane), the striker never fully confirmed the inspiration. Gyökeres did post a goal compilation video in 2024 on Instagram with the caption “Nobody cared until I put on the mask,” a famous quote from Bane, the villain from The Dark Knight Rises. This may finally be the answer that fans were hoping for, but time will tell. 

14. He won the Swedish Golden Ball as the best Swedish footballer in 2024.

Gyökeres’ exceptional performances have earned him numerous individual honors. He has won the Bola de Prata (Golden Ball) twice as the Primeira Liga’s top scorer, been named Primeira Liga Player of the Year, and received the Swedish Golden Ball (Guldbollen) as the best Swedish footballer in 2024. His consistency is further demonstrated by winning the Primeira Liga Player of the Month award for five consecutive months between September and January during his first season.

15. He plays as the central striker in Sporting’s 3-4-3 formation.

What sets Gyökeres apart is his complete skill set as a modern striker. Standing tall with excellent physicality, he combines pace, stamina, and aerial ability with intelligent movement and link-up play. In Sporting’s 3-4-3 formation, he operates as the central striker at the highest point of attack. He uses his physical presence to challenge defenders while creating space for teammates. His pressing ability helps disrupt opposition build-up play, while his versatility allows him to drift wide or into half-spaces to stretch defenses.

The Future for Gyökeres

As Gyökeres continues to break records and capture hearts at Sporting CP, his future remains one of football’s most intriguing storylines. With reported interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave in summer 2025, the Swedish sensation stands at a crossroads that could define the next chapter of his remarkable career.

Whether he remains in Lisbon to continue building his legend at Sporting or moves to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Viktor Gyökeres has already established himself as one of the most complete and effective strikers of his generation. His journey from Stockholm’s youth pitches to Portuguese football’s pinnacle serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere. It proves that talent, dedication, and the right opportunities can create something truly special.

As he continues to develop his career and potentially moves on to new challenges, football fans worldwide will be watching with anticipation to see what new chapters this remarkable player will write in the beautiful game’s ongoing story.

Portuguese, spoken by over 260 million people across the globe, is a language rich in history, emotion, and cultural nuance. One of the most fascinating aspects of Portuguese is its wealth of idioms, colorful phrases that paint a vivid picture of Portuguese culture.

Idioms add spice to any language and give us insight into how people think, what they value, and how they see the world. Portuguese idioms are particularly delightful because they often include references to food, animals, and everyday situations that reflect the warmth and practicality of Portuguese culture. Let’s explore eleven Portuguese idioms that will give you more insight into the way the Portuguese think. If you use these, we are sure that you will make a local smile! Try it and see!

1. Pão pão queijo queijo

English meaning – To speak plainly and directly; to call a spade a spade

We’ve used this a lot ever since we first heard it because it’s so much fun to say. This literally translates to “bread bread, cheese cheese,” which emphasizes the importance of calling things by their proper names without beating around the bush. It reflects the Portuguese appreciation for honesty and straightforward communication.

Examples:

• Vamos falar pão pão queijo queijo: o projeto não está a funcionar. (Let’s speak plainly: the project isn’t working.)

Ela sempre fala pão pão queijo queijo, sem rodeios. (She always speaks directly, without beating around the bush.)

2. Não tomar chá em pequeno

English meaning – To be extremely rude or ill-mannered

This expression literally means “not to drink tea as a child,” and it’s used to describe someone who is very rude, ill-mannered, or lacks basic social etiquette. It suggests that the person didn’t learn proper manners during their upbringing.

Examples:

• Ele é mal-educado e não tem respeito nenhum pelos outros. Vê-se bem que não tomou chá em pequeno. (He is ill-mannered and has no respect for others. You can clearly see he didn’t learn proper manners as a child.)
• A minha irmã não tomou chá em pequeno. Está sempre a gritar com estranhos na estrada! (My sister is extremely rude. She’s always yelling at strangers on the street!)

3. Estar fresco como uma alface

English meaning – To be extremely fresh; to be well-rested and energetic

Literally meaning “to be fresh like lettuce,” this idiom describes someone who appears very fresh, well-rested, and full of energy, often despite working hard or having little sleep. It’s used to describe someone who maintains their vitality and appearance.

Examples:

• A Teresa trabalha imenso, dorme sempre pouco, mas nunca parece estar cansada, está sempre fresca como uma alface. (Teresa works immensely, always sleeps little, but never seems to be tired, she’s always extremely fresh.)
• Depois de uma noite inteira de estudo, ela ainda estava fresca como uma alface. (After a whole night of studying, she was still extremely fresh.)

4. Ficar em águas de bacalhau

English meaning – To come to nothing; to fail or fall through

This maritime-inspired idiom literally means “to stay in cod waters,” referring to plans or situations that don’t materialize. It evokes the image of being stuck in cold, unproductive waters like those where cod are found.

Examples:

• O negócio ficou em águas de bacalhau depois da crise. (The business fell through after the crisis.)
• Todos os planos de viagem ficaram em águas de bacalhau. (All the travel plans came to nothing.)

5. Ter muito lata

English meaning – To be very bold, cheeky, or have a lot of nerve

“Lata” means “can” or “tin,” and this expression suggests someone has a lot of “tin,” meaning they’re brazen or audacious. It can be used both negatively (for inappropriate boldness) and positively (for admirable courage).

Examples:

• Ele tem muito lata para pedir um aumento depois de só trabalhar há um mês. (He has a lot of nerve asking for a raise after only working for a month.)
• É preciso ter muita lata para fazer stand-up comedy. (You need a lot of boldness to do stand-up comedy.)

6. Como sardinha em lata

English meaning – Packed tightly together; crowded like sardines

This idiom paints a perfect picture of overcrowding by comparing a situation to sardines packed in a tin can. It’s used to describe any space or situation where people are squeezed together uncomfortably.

Examples:

• O metro estava como sardinha em lata na hora do rush. (The subway was packed like sardines during rush hour.)
• Na festa, estávamos todos como sardinha em lata. (At the party, we were all crowded together like sardines.)

7. Falar pelos cotovelos

English meaning – To talk excessively and with exaggeration

Literally translating to “talking through the elbows,” this expression is used to describe someone who talks non-stop, often with great enthusiasm and plenty of hand gestures. It paints a picture of a person who is animated, lively, and doesn’t hold back in conversation. They are also good at breaking the ice in conversation.

Examples:

• A Maria fala pelos cotovelos — mal chegou à festa, já estava a contar a vida toda!
  (Maria is very chatty — she had barely arrived at the party and was already telling her whole life story!)
• O meu tio fala pelos cotovelos sempre que vê futebol.
  (My uncle talks excessively whenever he watches football.)

8. Um mãos-largas

English meaning – A generous person; someone who spends freely

This idiom literally translates to “wide hands” or “loose hands” and describes someone who is generous with their money or possessions. It is generally used in a positive context to praise someone’s generosity.

Examples:

• O João é um mãos-largas, sempre paga o jantar para todos. (João is very generous, he always pays for everyone’s dinner.)
• Ela é conhecida por ser uma mãos-largas com os amigos. (She’s known for being generous with her friends.)

9. Uma pechincha

English meaning – A bargain; a great deal

This word describes something that’s unexpectedly cheap or a great value for money. It’s the Portuguese equivalent of saying something is “a steal” or “a bargain.”

Examples:

• Este carro usado foi uma pechincha pelo preço que paguei. (This used car was a bargain for the price I paid.)
• Encontrei estes sapatos numa pechincha no saldo. (I found these shoes at a great price in the sale.)

10. A pensar morreu um burro. Decide-te!

English meaning – Stop overthinking and make a decision!

This humorous idiom literally means “A donkey died thinking. Make up your mind!” It’s used when someone is taking too long to make a decision, often in everyday situations like choosing what to order at a restaurant. The image of a donkey dying from overthinking adds a touch of absurd humor to the urgency of making a choice (and may help you remember this expression better).

Examples:

• Já estás há meia hora a olhar para o menu. A pensar morreu um burro. Decide-te! (You’ve been looking at the menu for half an hour. A donkey died thinking. Make a decision!)
• Para de hesitar entre as duas opções. A pensar morreu um burro. Decide-te! (Stop hesitating between the two options. A donkey died thinking. Make up your mind!)

11. És uma cabeça de alho chocho!

English meaning – You’re not very bright; you’re a bit dim

This idiom literally means “You’re a head of rotten garlic!” It’s used to tease someone when they’re being absent-minded or not thinking clearly. The comparison to spoiled garlic suggests someone whose mental faculties aren’t quite fresh or sharp – unlike looking “fresh like a lettuce.”

Examples:

• Esqueceste as chaves outra vez? És uma cabeça de alho chocho! (You forgot your keys again? You’re not very bright!)
• Como é que não consegues resolver este problema simples? És uma cabeça de alho chocho! (How can you not solve this simple problem? You’re being dim!)

Portugal’s Culture Through Idioms

Portuguese idioms remind us that language is alive, breathing, and full of personality, just like the warm, welcoming people who speak it.

Whether you’re planning to visit Portugal, Brazil, or any of the other Portuguese-speaking countries, understanding these expressions will help you connect more deeply with the local Portuguese-speaking and people and their respective cultures.

The next time you find yourself in a Portuguese conversation, try using one of these colorful expressions. You’ll likely get a smile or a laugh out of someone, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of belonging among a group of Portuguese speakers. Give these idioms a try!