Chelsea fans, get ready to be excited. A glowing endorsement has just arrived from a rather surprising source – former Manchester United star Nani – and it’s all about our incoming Portuguese sensation, Geovany Quenda.

Speaking to A Bola, Nani didn’t hold back in his praise for the 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon talent, calling Quenda “unbelievable” and admitting that Manchester United may have missed a golden opportunity.

“There is a kid at Sporting, Quenda, who is 17 years old and he is unbelievable,” said Nani. “He has energy, he has speed, he can improve his physical ability, but he is a very intelligent player. Very mature.”

That kind of recognition, coming from someone who spent eight years at one of the biggest clubs in the world and knows what it takes to succeed at the top, says everything about Quenda’s potential.

Chelsea snapped up Quenda in a deal that sees him remain on loan at Sporting Lisbon until 2026 – a move that highlights the Blues’ long-term planning under the new ownership. The club’s commitment to building a new golden generation is clear, and Quenda is shaping up to be a central part of that future.

Nani’s praise extended beyond just physical attributes. He highlighted Quenda’s game intelligence and decision-making – two qualities that often separate great players from good ones.

“He knows how to play as part of a team, when he should calm down and speed up the game,” Nani added.

For a 17-year-old to be described as “very mature” and “intelligent” on the pitch by someone of Nani’s pedigree is no small compliment. It’s also an insight into why Chelsea moved quickly to secure his signature.

Of course, Quenda is still developing. Nani pointed out that the young winger can still improve his finishing and consistency – natural areas for growth in a teenager’s game. But the foundations are already exceptional.

Asked whether Manchester United missed out, Nani gave a simple yet telling response:

“I think so. There are no players like him at 17. Why did Chelsea sign him? Because they know that.”

Chelsea fans have seen this before. When the Blues identify a gem early – think Eden Hazard, Reece James, or more recently, Kendry Páez – they do so with conviction and purpose. Quenda appears to be the latest in that tradition.

For now, he’ll continue his development at Sporting Lisbon, gaining valuable experience in senior football. But come 2026, Stamford Bridge could very well be welcoming one of Europe’s next big stars.

And thanks to Nani, we now have even more reason to believe it.