Sandro Plínio Rosa da Cruz

Sandro Cruz is a Portuguese left-back born in Braga on 12 May 2001. He began developing at SC Braga before joining Benfica’s academy, where he progressed into the club’s professional structure. Cruz made his professional debut for Benfica B against Casa Pia in February 2021 and appeared twice for Benfica’s senior side in the 2021–22 Primeira Liga season. He moved to GD Chaves in 2022, initially on loan, and later scored from distance against Gil Vicente in October 2023. In July 2024, Cruz signed for Gil Vicente, making 25 appearances and playing 2,084 minutes during the 2024–25 campaign. He joined Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava in June 2025 on a contract running to 2029, adding domestic and European competition to his experience. Although born in Portugal, Cruz made his senior international debut for Angola against Eswatini on 7 June 2024, starting in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying win.