Machete is a Portuguese football club based in the small town of Machete, located in the Santarém District. Founded in 1932, the club has spent most of its existence in the regional leagues of Portugal, known for its fierce local support and a never-say-die attitude on the pitch. The team plays at the Estádio Municipal do Machete, a 3,500-capacity ground that often sees attendance exceeding capacity for key matches.

Club Spirit and Tactical Style

Machete’s nickname is “Os Cortantes” (The Cutters), and the team is famous for a direct, high-intensity playing style that often overwhelms more technical opponents. Their formation typically revolves around a hardworking midfield and quick counter-attacks. The club’s all-time leading scorer is Rui “Faca” Silva, who netted 142 goals between 1995 and 2010. Although Machete has never won a national trophy, they have lifted the Distrital de Santarém Cup five times, most recently in 2019.

Rivalries and Local Importance

The biggest rival is neighboring club União de Machete Velho, with the “Derbi da Lâmina” (Blade Derby) being the highlight of the season. Matches between the two are known for physicality and red cards. Machete also shares a friendly rivalry with FC Santarém, and the club’s youth system is a pillar of the community, having produced a handful of players who moved to bigger Portuguese clubs like Vitória de Guimarães and Belenenses.

Current Campaign

In the 2024–25 season, Machete competes in the Campeonato de Portugal, the third tier of Portuguese football. They are currently battling relegation, sitting 14th out of 16 teams. However, the team has shown resilience, earning draws against top-half sides. Manager João Teixeira has called for more consistency, and the January transfer window brought in two experienced defenders. The club’s survival hopes hinge on home form, where they have lost only twice all season.