Guedes opens up: why Real Sociedad felt like home from day one
Gonçalo Guedes has spoken candidly about his move to Real Sociedad, his troubled spell in England, and why San Sebastián has given him his mojo back.
Gonçalo Guedes is loving life in San Sebastián right now — and he’s not shy about saying so. The Portuguese winger sat down with Radio MARCA Donostia and gave one of those interviews where you actually believe every word.
Back to his best, and he knows it
Guedes has been one of Real Sociedad’s standout performers in 2026, chipping in with goals and assists as the club has found some real form. He’s not getting carried away, but he’s clearly a man who feels settled — and that makes all the difference.
- He says his goal when joining was simple: score, assist, and be happy
- His verdict? All three boxes are being ticked
- He credits the squad’s recent upturn to consistency and keeping the same mentality game to game
Why the move made sense so quickly
The speed of the deal was something else. He spoke to Real Sociedad on a Tuesday and was on his way by the weekend. After three years bouncing between clubs and countries, stability was the priority — for him and his family.
His career path has been a proper journey: Valencia (where he flourished), Wolverhampton (where he didn’t), a loan to Villarreal (where he rediscovered himself), then back to England before finally landing in the Basque Country. England, in particular, wasn’t for him — the food, the dark afternoons, the Christmas away from family. It wasn’t just football, it was everything.
Matarazzo’s impact
The arrival of Sergio Matarazzo as head coach has clearly been a turning point. Guedes reckons the new gaffer came in with fresh ideas that the squad absorbed quickly, and the results have followed.
- Training sessions feel connected to match situations
- Matarazzo communicates well — his English was easy to follow, apparently
- He’s strong on opponent analysis, which gives the players belief going into games
Fitting in with the senior lads
Guedes has slotted in nicely alongside the likes of Oyarzabal, Remiro and Aritz — though he’s quick to point out that at 28-30, they’re all roughly the same generation rather than some old guard. His relationship with Oyarzabal on the pitch sounds particularly promising, with the two developing a real understanding.
Copa del Rey semi and the Oviedo job first
Don’t ask him about the Copa final just yet — he’s not having it. The second leg against Athletic Club is still to come, and Guedes is adamant that nothing is guaranteed. He’s full of respect for the Bilbao derby atmosphere, noting that the fans from both cities actually get on well off the pitch, which he’s found refreshing.
Before any of that, though, Saturday’s home game against Oviedo is the focus. Real lost the reverse fixture, so there’s a point to prove.
Referees and the World Cup
On the controversial penalty calls in recent weeks — including his yellow card for simulation at San Mamés — he kept it diplomatic. He believes both were penalties, but he’s not getting into it with officials. Fair enough, really.
As for Portugal and the World Cup? He’d love a call-up, but he’s realistic given the quality available. And on Cristiano Ronaldo, he kept it straightforward and respectful — “a reference at world level” who trains properly and sets the standard.
All in all, this is a player who’s found his happy place. And when footballers are genuinely happy, they tend to perform. Real Sociedad fans will be well chuffed about that.