Patrícia Sampaio Secures World No.1 Spot, Igniting Judo Surge in Portugal

A season of relentless consistency and standout victories has propelled Portugal’s top judoka to the summit of the global standings. Patrícia Sampaio’s string of podium finishes, culminating in commanding performances at major Grand Slams and continental championships, not only secured her the No.1 spot in the –78 kg division but also captured the imagination of the judo community back home.

Key Takeaways

• 6480 ranking points, making Sampaio the highest-scoring judoka across all weight classes.

• Gold medals at the European Championships, Paris Grand Slam and Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam.

• Bronze at the World Championships in Budapest and silver at the Tokyo Grand Slam.

• Her rise has sparked increased media visibility, potential sponsorship interest and renewed grassroots enthusiasm in Portuguese women’s judo.

Climbing to No. 1: Major Milestones

Patrícia Sampaio’s ascent began in February with a stunning ippon victory over top seeds at the Paris Grand Slam, establishing her as a medal contender. In early summer, she added European Championship gold in Podgorica to her résumé, defeating Germany’s Anna Monta Olek in a tactical finale. The momentum continued in July with triumph in Ulaanbaatar, where Sampaio outmaneuvered a field of judo powerhouses. A bronze medal performance at the World Championships in Budapest further solidified her credentials, and a late-season silver in Tokyo ensured she closed the year on top.

Throughout 2025, Sampaio accumulated 6480 points, eclipsing Italy’s Olympic champion Alice Bellandi (5395 pts) and Germany’s Monta Olek. The International Judo Federation’s December update officially placed her at the pinnacle of the –78 kg world ranking.

Technical Evolution and Mental Fortitude

Under the guidance of her brother and coach Igor Sampaio, Patrícia’s style has blended explosive uchi mata entries with a newfound strategic patience. Experts highlight her improved grip-fighting and ability to adapt mid–bout. In an April interview, she noted: “I’ve grown mentally stronger, learning to manage pressure from week to week.” This psychological edge, combined with a consistent competition schedule, has been instrumental in her breakthrough. Longtime judo analysts describe her 2025 campaign as “a masterclass in balance between aggression and composure.”

Ripple Effects on Portuguese Judo

Sampaio’s dominance has generated widespread media attention across outlets such as RTP, A Bola and CNN Portugal, lifting the profile of women’s judo nationwide. While exact new sponsorship deals remain under negotiation, her success has attracted interest from both national brands and international sportswear companies. The Federação Portuguesa de Judo has leveraged this momentum to promote initiatives like Judo @ School and Judo Adaptado, aiming to boost participation among young girls and athletes with disabilities. Despite funding challenges that led to the cancellation of the 2025 Grand Prix in Portugal, Sampaio’s achievements offer a rallying point for future support and investment.

Looking Forward: Sustaining Excellence

As the judo calendar turns to 2026, all eyes will be on Sampaio’s defence of her ranking and her preparations for upcoming Masters events and the next European Championships. With Paris 2024 behind her and a proven track record on the world stage, she enters the new year as both a title-defender and an inspiration for a burgeoning generation of Portuguese judokas seeking to follow in her footsteps.