The football commentator turned far-right leader who could help form Portugal’s next government

Andre Ventura, well known to Portuguese sporting audiences, could become the kingmaker after Sunday’s general election

Far-right Party Chega leader Andre Ventura, centre, takes a selfie with the Portuguese actress, Maria Vieira, right, during the election campaign (EPA)

Once, he regaled millions of viewers about the glories of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Now, Andre Ventura is poised to lead the first far-right party since the return of democracy in Portugal to win real power in the snap general election on Sunday.

The leader of the Chega (Enough) party could become a kingmaker as polls showed his party may be the third largest in the Portuguese parliament.

Mr Ventura, a former television football commentator for the CMTV channel, has captured the political limelight by preaching a message against gypsies and black people, policies which include castrating paedophiles and waging a war against corruption.