Umaro Baldé (footballer, born 2002)

Umaro Baldé (born 7 October 2002) is a footballer who plays for Gafanha in the Portuguese District Championships. Born in Guinea-Bissau, he represented Portugal at youth international level.

Early life
Baldé grew up in Quelele, Guinea-Bissau in poverty, with his family moving to Portugal when he was eight or nine for a better lifestyle. At the age of 12, Balde joined the youth academy of Portuguese fifth tier side Damaiense. After impressing in a match against the Sporting CP Youth Academy in a tournament, he was asked to join their program. In 2019, he left Sporting.

In 2019, he signed a contract with Scottish club Rangers' youth academy, joining on a two-year contract. He made his U18 debut in a pre-season friendly against Partick Thistle on 8 July. Playing mainly with the U18 squad, he appeared for the club in UEFA Youth League matches, as well as the reserve team. He left the club by mutual consent on 1 February 2021. After departing Rangers, he returned to Portugal and then participated in a two-month intensive training program with Prestige Sports to maintain fitness.

Club career
In early 2022, he went on trial with Canadian Premier League club Pacific FC during their pre-season. On 16 March 2022, Balde signed his first professional contract with Pacific for the 2022 season. On 28 May, he debuted for Pacific FC during a 2–2 draw with Valour FC. At the end of the year, Baldé departed the club.

In the summer of 2023, he joined Portuguese club Gafanha.

International career
He represented Portugal at the U15 and U16 levels. In 2020, he was called up to a camp for the Portugal U18 team.