OFFICIAL: Portuguese Forward with 79 Goals Arrives in V.League

SLNA has officially acquired Portuguese striker Carlos Fortes, a scorer with experience in Europa League qualifying rounds, aiming to bolster their offensive strength for the 2025/26 season's campaign to climb the standings.

Song Lam Nghe An Football Club (SLNA) has officially announced the new signing of Carlos Manuel Santos Fortes, a Portuguese forward with an extensive playing career in Europe and Asia. He will wear the number 27 jersey and is expected to become the key attacking spearhead for the Nghe-based team for the remainder of the season.

Carlos Fortes was born on November 9, 1994, stands 1.89m tall, weighs 94kg, possessing the ideal physique of a modern center-forward. With a robust physical foundation and strong aerial ability, the 31-year-old striker promises to bring a new solution to SLNA's attack, which has been in need of more sharpness during the decisive phase.

Throughout his career, Fortes has played in Portugal, Romania, China, and Indonesia. In total, he has made 286 professional appearances, scoring 79 goals and providing 22 assists—figures that demonstrate notable consistency and considerable match experience.

A particular highlight in the profile of SLNA's new signing is his participation in 6 UEFA Europa League qualifying matches while playing for Universitatea Craiova (Romania), where he scored 1 goal. His experience competing on the continental stage is expected to help Fortes quickly adapt and make a difference in the V.League.

In the 2025/26 season, SLNA currently ranks 8th in the standings after 14 rounds with 16 points. The Nghe-based team has shown determined spirit, but their scoring efficiency has not been entirely stable. The addition of an experienced striker like Fortes is seen as a strategic move to improve their attacking capability and aim for a breakthrough in the second phase.

The arrival of Carlos Fortes brings not only expectations for goals but also adds tactical options for the coaching staff. With an impressive resume and a desire to prove himself in Vietnam, the Portuguese forward is anticipated to soon make his mark in SLNA's traditional yellow jersey.