This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. European competitions are, year after year, a breeding ground for unexpected heroes who exchange darkness for the spotlight in few matches. The creation of the UEFA Conference League in 2021 increased the number of annual opportunities for teams and players with little prominence in the European landscape to make their mark. This is the case for Samsunspor, which has qualified for the knockout stage of a European competition for the first time. The Turkish team is enjoying happy days thanks to the top scorer of the tournament… who is a familiar name in Portuguese football. Marius Mouandilmadji, originally from Chad, entered European football through FC Porto in 2018, at just 20 years old. His debut for the blue and whites was even marked by a goal against Desportivo de Chaves on August 11, but it did not lead to further opportunities. The young forward would only play once more for the first team, against Vila Real on October 19, 2018, in addition to 18 matches and five games for FC Porto B. Marius played seven more matches for the youth team the following season before being loaned to Desportivo das Aves. Marius did not score any goals in 12 matches played in Vila das Aves, a stint that ended with relegation to Liga 2. The Chad international did not return to play in Portuguese football, moving on to Belgian football. After two seasons at RFC Seraing, Marius joined Samsunspor and became the team's main scorer. The forward, now 28 years old, was the club's top scorer in the last two seasons, with ten goals in each. This season, Marius has raised his game and has already matched the tally of the last two seasons. The teammate of Portuguese player Afonso Sousa has been particularly effective in the Conference League, scoring seven goals in eight matches played. The former FC Porto player was decisive in the playoff of the tournament, scoring three of the five goals scored by Samsunspor against Shkendija during the tie. His brace in the 4-0 thrashing by the Turkish team in the second leg allowed Marius to isolate himself at the top of the tournament's scoring charts. Next up for Samsunspor is Rayo Vallecano, with the forward who left Portugal without shining five years ago continuing to dream in Europe.
Left FC Porto The Turkish remains central to this story.
Left FC Porto The Turkish remains central to this story.
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