Helder Lopes Returns to Portugal, Signs with Academica de Coimbra

After five successful years at Hapoel Be'er Sheva, 37-year-old defender Helder Lopes has officially signed with Academica de Coimbra, a Portuguese club competing in the country's second division. Lopes concluded his tenure at the Israeli club and is now embarking on a new chapter in his career back in Portugal. Academica de Coimbra finished third in the second division last season and has a notable history, having won the Portuguese Cup twice, in 1938-39 and 2011-12. Lopes expressed enthusiasm about joining a historic club with a rich football tradition, stating, "I am very happy. I have been given the opportunity to play for a historic club with a rich history in Portuguese football. I will be another player in a team that dreams big." He signed a one-year contract with the recently promoted second-tier team.