BIOGRAPHY: Ferro

Francisco Reis Ferreira, AKA ‘Ferro’ was born in Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal, in 1997. The centre back has come to Valencia CF in the prime of his career, on loan from SL Benfica.

Ferro joined the SL Benfica academy in 2008, through the 'Centro de Formação e Treino de Aveiro' programme. In Lisbon he came up through the ranks to become one of the most outstanding players in the youth system, captaining the 'B' team. His good work with them led to a first team debut in February of 2019, at the age of 21.

His first appearance was in the Taça de Portugal semifinals against SL Benfica's arch-rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal, in front of 55,000 fans at the Estádio da Luz. Ferro came on in the 38th minute to replace Jardel, and he was one of the standout players in a 2-1 win, completing 94% of his passes.

The 1.91m tall Ferro is a complete centre back, who dominates in the air at both ends of the pitch and is brought upfield for set pieces. He also likes to bring the ball out and put in aggressive challenges at the back.

Ferro has silverware at senior level since making his debut for SL Benfica. He has won the Portuguese league title (in 2019) and the Portuguese Supercup, as well as having been called up to the Portuguese national team.