Doumbia makes history: first Champions goal with Sporting
Italian midfielder scores against Lens after a meteoric rise: from Venezia to debut with Mancini in just a few months.
Issa Doumbia scored in the Lens vs. Sporting clash, finding the back of the net in the 74th minute following a rapid counter-attack. The assist came from Silas Andersen, and the midfielder finished with composure past an opposing goalkeeper left stranded by a sluggish defensive performance.
Doumbia's path to this moment reflects an uninterrupted progression. Venezia signed him from lower divisions for a figure below one million euros, roughly two years ago. After his initial appearances with the Venetian club, he found his true calling in Serie B under Giovanni Stroppa's guidance, contributing to the team's promotion to the top flight.
Sporting believed in his potential and invested over twenty million euros to secure his transfer, with Venezia also retaining a percentage on future sales. He has made an immediate impact in Portugal with several convincing performances. This trajectory caught the attention of Roberto Mancini, who included him in Italy's recent Nations League squad, fielding him across all four matches of the tournament. Within weeks, Doumbia has tasted debut football at senior international level and now added a maiden European goal with his club.