Despite recording the best first half in Primeira Liga history under Francesco Farioli, Porto was one of the most active clubs in the winter transfer window. Arrivals included Thiago Silva, Seko Fofana, and Terem Moffi. However, the biggest bet was placed on Oskar Pietuszewski (born 2008 in Białystok, Poland), who is now igniting the flanks at Estádio do Dragão.
Never before had a Portuguese club paid €10 million for a footballer who would not turn 18 until the following May. But the reports coming from Poland warranted such a significant investment. At just 17 years old, Pietuszewski left Jagiellonia with over 50 senior appearances under his belt.
In fact, he is a name familiar to Rayo Vallecano fans, as he started in their Conference League group-stage clash, forming a front three alongside the legendary Pululu and Spanish winger Álex Pozo (formerly of Sevilla, Mallorca, Eibar, and Almería).
“I never let myself be intimidated on the pitch. When I have the ball, I’m ready to beat opponents,” Pietuszewski said at his Porto presentation, vowing to “give everything to win titles.”
Oskar Pietuszewski celebrates his goal against Arouca.
@FCPorto
A starter in every match, including those against Rayo Vallecano, Strasbourg, and AZ Alkmaar, Pietuszewski used the Conference League as a springboard to land at Dragão. “I am a player without fear. I never let myself be intimidated, and when I have the ball, I’m ready to beat rivals,” he assured during his unveiling.
The same composure he shows in front of microphones is also evident on the pitch. A left winger who operates on his stronger foot, he is extremely vertical, incisive, and possesses a powerful change of pace that allows him to glide past defenders with astonishing ease. He also boasts a strong shot and works hard in the press.
Radar of Oskar Pietuszewski (25-26)
DRIBLAB PRO
His introduction could not have been better: Farioli brought him on against Vitória Guimarães with the score level and just over 15 minutes remaining. Pietuszewski won a penalty converted by Alan Varela to seal Porto’s victory that night.
“The impact of the players who came off the bench helped us accelerate the game. Pietuszewski won a penalty in five minutes and forced a red card,” said Farioli. “I would highlight his first touch of the ball—an aerial duel he challenged with energy. The maturity he showed is noteworthy. He is a young player with plenty to work on, but the first impressions are very good.”
The Spanish coach didn’t want to rush, but since handing Pietuszewski his first start against Nacional, the teenager has improved with every game. Against Rio Ave, he provided the assist for Victor Froholdt’s winner. Just days later, Froholdt returned the favor, setting up Pietuszewski to launch the victory against Arouca.
Some might say he only had to tap it in. But he showed a voracious hunger to attack the ball at the far post. It wasn’t just any goal: it made him the youngest foreign scorer in Porto’s history and also the earliest goal ever recorded at Estádio do Dragão.