Girona FC has completed the signing of 18-year-old Portuguese central defender Mauro Furtado from Benfica on a contract running through June 2031, according to club announcements. The deal secures one of the most promising young defensive talents in Portuguese football for Montilivi.
Securing a World U-17 Bronze Ball Winner
Furtado arrives in Catalonia following a breakout campaign that included winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Portugal, where he earned the tournament’s Bronze Ball award. Last season, the defender featured in six matches for Benfica’s Under-23 side before making the permanent switch to Spanish football.
Scouting Profile and Squad Context
Girona’s technical staff highlighted the defender’s physical attributes, competitive maturity, and leadership qualities despite his youth. Club statements emphasized Furtado’s defensive solidity, positioning, ability to anticipate opponents, and notable quality in playing the ball out from the back. The signing represents the sixth addition to a Girona squad looking to bolster its roster under manager Quique Álvarez following a challenging start to the league campaign that yielded just one point from their opening two fixtures.

Next Steps for the Club
Furtado joins the squad immediately as Girona prepares for its upcoming fixtures, seeking to establish momentum and validate its ambitions for promotion. Fans and followers can look for official club updates and matchday rosters as the team integrates its newest Portuguese prospect into the first-team setup.
Keep reading