Flávio Nazinho has been called up by Portugal for matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November. The Monaco left-back arrives there after a restart built in Belgium, and he has already put himself in the frame with 14 appearances, 1 goal and 2 assists this season.

Monaco's platform for the call-up

Nazinho arrived at Monaco this summer from Cercle Bruges after developing in Belgium. He has 10 Ligue 1 appearances and 867 league minutes for the club, which is a strong return for a player who was not being talked about in this way a year ago.

The European numbers are solid as well. His 6.77 average in the UEFA Europa Conference League is slightly higher than his 6.66 Ligue 1 rating, and that fits the way Monaco have used him, as more than a squad filler and well beyond a stopgap.

Foot Mercato's count of 14 appearances, 1 goal and 2 assists includes his league and European outings together. That is the figure being used around his rapid rise, while the league and Conference League splits show why Monaco have trusted him so quickly.

Portugal's view of Nazinho

Nazinho, speaking to A Bola, said: "It is a dream, that is certain! But I am not the kind of person who likes to rush things. I want to take everything step by step, joining Monaco is already a big step. Above all, I want to enjoy the opportunity that is playing here and show my qualities. And, who knows, maybe take part in the next World Cup [2030]"

That line matches the way he has handled the move. The Portugal call-up comes after 23 youth caps, so this is a promotion earned through repetition rather than a one-off burst.

Jorge Jesus, speaking in comments reported by A Bola, said the coach had no doubts about placing him in the renewal group. Portugal's rebuild at left-back is still open, but Nazinho has given them a live option who has already done the work at club level.

Monaco's next three fixtures are Auxerre, Heart Of Midlothian and Lyon, and Nazinho will go into that run as a first senior Portugal call-up with Denmark and Wales on the calendar before him.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →