Leka Podvorica, a 6′-2″ center back born in 2008 in New York City, has officially joined the prestigious FC Famalicão Academy in Portugal, making the transition from his successful tenure in the MLS Next league. A powerful and commanding presence in defense, Leka’s move marks a pivotal moment in his young career, as he now takes on the opportunity to develop further at one of Europe’s top youth academies.
Leka is another U.S.-born talent heading to Europe at an early age, joining a growing wave of American players pursuing opportunities at some of Europe’s top clubs and academies. This shift represents a new era for U.S. soccer, where young talents are increasingly seeking international experience to accelerate their development and compete at the highest levels.
FC Famalicão, which secured the coveted Portuguese U19 League title in 2023, is known for its strong emphasis on player development and has produced a wealth of top-tier talent. The club competes in the Primeira Liga, Portugal’s top-tier professional football league, providing a competitive environment for its academy players to progress toward the first team. Leka’s move to the academy comes as part of the club’s commitment to nurturing young stars who are destined for success in European football.
During his time in the MLS Next league, Leka showcased his immense talent and skill, earning recognition as one of the standout center backs of his age group. His commanding presence, tactical intelligence, and exceptional physicality set him apart as one of the most promising defenders in North America.
Leka’s rise has also seen him earn invites from several prestigious clubs. He was invited to trial with Columbus Crew, then the MLS Champions, where he impressed coaches with his strength and technical ability. Prior to that, he had been invited to trials with two of Portugal’s top clubs, FC Porto and SC Braga, further demonstrating his potential and attracting attention from some of Europe’s most renowned academies.
In 2024, Leka’s career took a major leap forward when he was selected to represent the Kosovo U16 national team, the country of his parents’ origin. He made an instant impact on the international stage, scoring a goal for his country during a competitive match. His debut with the Kosovo national team further solidified his status as a rising star in the world of football.
“I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter in my journey,” said Leka. “Moving to FC Famalicão is an amazing opportunity, and I am grateful to continue my development in such a competitive and supportive environment. I look forward to challenging myself and contributing to the team’s success, both at the academy and on the international stage.”
With his move to FC Famalicão and continued international involvement, Leka is poised to make a significant impact in the world of football. As he continues to hone his skills at one of Europe’s finest academies, there is no doubt that the future holds great things for this promising young talent.
About FC Famalicão
FC Famalicão is a professional football club based in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, known for its strong academy and commitment to developing young talent. The club competes in the Primeira Liga, Portugal’s top-tier professional football league, and has seen notable success in recent years, with its U19 team winning the Portuguese U19 League in 2023. FC Famalicão remains dedicated to creating opportunities for young players to advance to the highest levels of professional football.
