# Flávio Nazinho Receives Call-up to Portugal National Team Monaco defender replaces injured Nuno Tavares for upcoming international football fixtures. - **Source:** [Record](https://www.record.pt) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f4a2d206-dea0-4aa8-9bf4-a38f4b71d641 ## Nazinho Joins National Squad Flávio Nazinho has been officially called up to the Portugal national team by manager Jorge Jesus. The 23-year-old left-back, currently playing for Monaco, replaces Nuno Tavares. Tavares was forced to withdraw from the squad following an injury sustained during Lazio's recent league match against Napoli in the Italian Serie A. ## Monaco Confirms Selection The French club AS Monaco announced the news regarding their player this Monday. The organization expressed significant pride in Nazinho's achievement of representing his country at the international level. This call-up marks a major milestone in the young defender's career, highlighting his recent development and performance while competing in the competitive French league. ## Early Career Development Born in Almada with Guinean roots, Nazinho began his football journey at Monte da Caparica when he was just eight years old. His formative years included stints at Cova da Piedade and Pescadores da Costa de Caparica. These early experiences provided the foundation for his eventual transition into top-tier professional youth academies. ## Sporting CP Foundation Nazinho eventually caught the attention of Sporting Braga before moving to Sporting CP at the age of 15. It was at Sporting where he made his professional debut under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim. This period was crucial for his tactical growth, allowing him to adapt to the demands of elite professional football. ## International Experience Before his current tenure at Monaco, Nazinho gained valuable experience playing in Belgium. This international exposure helped him refine his defensive skills and tactical awareness outside of the Portuguese league system. His ability to adapt to different European football cultures has been a defining characteristic of his professional trajectory since leaving his homeland. ## Tactical Role and Profile Operating primarily as a left-back, Nazinho is known for his speed and ability to contribute to attacking transitions. His profile fits the modern requirements for full-backs who must balance defensive duties with offensive support. Jorge Jesus likely values these specific physical attributes as he prepares the squad for upcoming tactical challenges and matches. ## Impact of Injuries The sudden vacancy created by Nuno Tavares' injury highlights the volatility of squad selection in international football. Managers must maintain depth charts to ensure replacements are ready when starters face physical setbacks. Nazinho’s inclusion demonstrates the coaching staff's confidence in his current form and his readiness to compete at the highest level. ## Future Career Outlook This call-up serves as a significant validation of Nazinho's recent career choices and his transition to Monaco. Representing Portugal provides him with a platform to further establish his reputation on the global stage. Observers will be watching closely to see if he can secure consistent playing time and cement his national team status. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.record.pt/futebol/selecoes/detalhe/flavio-nazinho-o-lateral-supersonico-convocado-por-jorge-jesus — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._