Ricardo Rocha

Ricardo Roberto Barreto da Rocha (born 11 September 1962) is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career Rocha was born in Recife. During his career he represented Manchete Futebol Clube do Recife (then known as Associação Atlética Santo Amaro), Santa Cruz Futebol Clube, Guarani Futebol Clube, Sporting Clube de Portugal (having a brief spell with the Primeira Liga giants), São Paulo FC, Real Madrid – where he helped to the 1993 conquest of the Copa del Rey – Santos FC, CR Vasco da Gama, Olaria Atlético Clube, Fluminense FC, Newell's Old Boys and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, retiring at nearly 37.

Rocha was coach of Santa Cruz in 2001 and 2007, without, however, the same success as a player.

International career Rocha played 38 matches with the Brazil national team in eight years, his debut coming on 19 May 1987 in an exhibition game with England (1–1). He went on to take part in two FIFA World Cups: 1990 and 1994.

In the latter edition Rocha was the starting center back. However, he could only appear 69 minutes for the eventual champions, a 2–0 group stage win against Russia, remaining injured for the remainder of the tournament. His last international match was also a friendly, a 5–0 win over Slovakia on 22 February 1995.

Honours Santa Cruz Campeonato Pernambucano: 1983

São Paulo Campeonato Paulista: 1989, 1991 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1991

Vasco Campeonato Carioca: 1994

Real Madrid Copa del Rey: 1992–93

Brazil FIFA World Cup: 1994 Pan American Games: 1987 Pre-Olympic Tournament: 1987 Rous Cup: 1987

Individual Bola de Ouro: 1989 Bola de Prata: 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993 La Liga Team of The Year: 1992