Ricardo Jorge Rodrigues Pessoa

Club career Born in Vendas Novas, Évora District, Pessoa started his professional career with Vitória de Setúbal, being sparingly used during his four-year spell with the Sado River club. He played 20 games as it returned to the Primeira Liga in 2004 after one year of absence, but only made ten appearances at that level over three seasons.

In the summer of 2005, Pessoa returned to the Segunda Liga and signed for Portimonense SC, being an undisputed starter from the beginnings and also eventually gaining captaincy. In the 2009–10 campaign, he scored six goals – whilst taking part in all 30 league matches – as the Algarve team returned to the top flight after 20 years.

Aged 35, Pessoa managed another promotion with his main club in 2017, contributing four goals (again mostly from penalties) from 29 appearances. On 25 May that year, he renewed his contract until 2020.

Pessoa retired at the end of the 2017–18 season, having featured sparingly as Portimonense retained their league status due to injury. During his 12-year spell in Portimão, he played 426 matches in all competitions.

International career Pessoa appeared once for Portugal at under-21 level, playing the last 14 minutes of the 2–2 friendly draw against Norway held in Guarda.

Career statistics

Honours Vitória Setúbal Taça de Portugal: 2004–05

Portimonense Segunda Liga: 2016–17