Nelson Sanca is a young, promising defender who signed his first professional contract with Newport County in July 2024, following a successful scholarship season in the club’s academy. At just 17 years old, he impressed greatly during the under-18s’ FAW Youth Cup run to the quarter-finals and was named the academy’s Player of the Year. His senior debut came in April 2024, starting in a League Two match against Tranmere Rovers. He retained his place for the last two fixtures of the season, showing the composure and presence that had earned him recognition. 

Born on 10 October 2006 in Lisbon, Portugal, Sanca stands at 1.85 metres tall and is right-footed. He first joined Newport after progressing through Canton Football Club in the Ardal Leagues, demonstrating the kind of development pathway the Exiles take pride in nurturing. 

In January 2025 Sanca moved on loan to Briton Ferry Llansawel for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, gaining valuable first-team experience in the Cymru Premier and making nine appearances during the loan spell. 

To date, he has made four senior league appearances for Newport County and is registered with the squad for the 2025–26 campaign, wearing shirt number 31 for this season.

With a strong season in the academy, a handful of first-team appearances and his loan experience in Welsh senior football all under his belt, Nelson Sanca is already carving a reputation as a composed and confident young defender ready to continue his progression at Newport County.

Nelson Sanca's Sponsors:

Primary Sponsor: Contact commercial@newport-county.co.uk to sponsor

Away Shirt: James Allen

Third Shirt: Contact commercial@newport-county.co.uk to sponsor