Fran Navarro: The Spanish goal machine in Portugal dreaming of Valencia return
Valencia-born striker Fran Navarro opens up about his success in Portugal, his 'El Toro' nickname, and his ambition to one day play at Mestalla.
Fran Navarro has quietly established himself as one of the most prolific Spanish strikers abroad, becoming the highest-scoring Spaniard in Portuguese league history with an impressive 40 goals in 100 appearances.
The rise of ‘El Toro’
Known as ‘El Toro’ (The Bull) since his youth days at Valencia, Navarro has found his spiritual home in Portugal. The nickname, given to him by a teammate’s father who admired his aggressive pressing style, has stuck with him throughout his career.
Currently at Braga after spells at Gil Vicente and Porto, the 25-year-old has already netted nine times this season despite limited playing time - scoring across all competitions:
- 3 goals in Liga Portugal
- 4 goals in Europa League
- 1 goal in Portuguese League Cup
- 1 goal in Portuguese Cup
“If I’d played more, I could have more goals and assists,” Navarro admits, “but what’s important is adapting to the role you have at each moment and making the most of the minutes you play.”
Portuguese success story
Navarro’s journey in Portugal began at Gil Vicente, where he made history by becoming the highest-scoring Spaniard in a single Portuguese league season with 17 goals in 2022-23.
“At the time I didn’t really appreciate it,” he reflects. “People would tell me about the records, but I wasn’t fully aware. Now as time passes, I value it more. What I’ve achieved is very difficult.”
After a brief spell at Portuguese giants Porto, where playing time was limited but he achieved his dream of debuting in the Champions League, Navarro has settled at Braga, where he’s formed a productive partnership with fellow Spaniard Pau Víctor.
Braga’s ambitions
Navarro speaks glowingly about Braga’s potential to challenge Portugal’s traditional ‘big three’ of Sporting, Porto and Benfica.
“I always thought Braga was a big club, but being here you realize you can compete with the three giants,” he explains. “The daily routine here is incredible. I haven’t seen players being looked after so well at other clubs.”
Under Spanish coach Carlos Vicens, Braga employs a possession-based style that suits Navarro’s game. “He’s a manager who likes having the ball a lot. Training sessions are all with the ball so we feel better and find solutions.”
Valencia homecoming?
Despite his success abroad, Navarro’s heart remains in Valencia, where he came through the youth system. When asked if he’d like to follow in the footsteps of Rafa Mir and Pepelu who returned to the club, his answer is crystal clear.
“Of course, Valencia is my home. My whole family supports Valencia, my friends too… I would’ve liked to play at Mestalla and, to tell you the truth, I don’t rule it out. It would be lovely to play for Valencia with all my friends and family in the stands.”
For now though, this Spanish goal machine continues to make his mark in Portugal, where he’s already written his name in the history books. Not bad for a lad from Valencia, innit?