Mumbai, 15 September 2026: Guarda FC have signed Guinea-Bissau winger Isnaba Mané on a two-year contract with an option for a further season, adding a player with UEFA Conference League experience to their squad.
The 22-year-old’s arrival follows the signing of Mumbai-born Indian youth international Yohaan Benjamin. CEO and majority shareholder Jai Agarwal is seeking to connect emerging talent with opportunities in European football.
Sporting academy and European experience
Born in Bissau, Mané began his youth career at Real SC before spending several years in Sporting CP’s academy. He played in the UEFA Youth League during his time at Sporting.
He later joined Estoril Praia and made 10 appearances for their under-23 side.
Mané spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Bulgarian top-flight club Arda Kardzhali, gaining his first significant senior experience outside Portugal. He made 15 appearances across competitions, scoring once and providing one assist.
He featured in all six of Arda’s UEFA Conference League matches that season. The left-footed winger can play across the attacking positions, offering pace, technical ability and additional squad depth.
Guarda outline plans for Mané
Agarwal said: “Signing a player of Isnaba’s profile is an important step for Guarda FC. He has developed in Portugal, gained experience in different European environments and already competed at a high level. We want to build a club that can attract ambitious young players and give them the platform to continue developing, and Isnaba is a great example of the kind of talent we want to bring to Guarda. We are very excited to welcome him and look forward to seeing what he can achieve with the club.”
Assistant sporting director Vanshvir Shah said: “Isnaba is a player we have been very impressed with and his profile fits extremely well with what we are building at Guarda FC. He has come through one of Europe’s top academies, experienced senior football and competed in the UEFA Conference League, which gives him a strong foundation to build on. We believe he has the quality and potential to make an important contribution to the team, and we are delighted to have him with us.”
Head coach Rui Ferreira said: “Isnaba is a talented young player with a very good footballing background and valuable experience for his age. His time at Sporting and Estoril, followed by his experience in Bulgaria and the UEFA Conference League, has given him a strong foundation. We believe his qualities can add something different to the team, and our focus now will be on helping him settle in, understand our way of playing and get the best out of his ability.”
Mané said: “I’m very happy to join Guarda FC and excited to begin this new chapter in my career. I’ve had the opportunity to develop in Portugal and gain experience in European football, and I see this move as an important next step for me. I’m looking forward to working with the coach, my new teammates and everyone at the club, and I’ll give my best to help the team achieve its ambitions. I’m grateful to Guarda FC for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”
Guarda are seeking to develop players, compete at a higher level and build a sustainable sporting structure. Agarwal’s longer-term plans include strengthening the club’s sporting and commercial operations and building links with emerging football markets.
