Rafael Ramos (footballer)


Rafael António Figueiredo Ramos is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a full back for Santa Clara in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Club career

Born in Santa Marinha, Seia, Guarda District, Ramos started out his career with Sporting CP before being released in 2012. Then, Ramos joined Real Sport Clube for one year before moving to S.L. Benfica's youth system in 2013, where he joined the under-19 squad. Ramos was part of the squad that competed in the 2013–14 UEFA Youth League. On 5 May 2014, Ramos signed a contract to stay with Benfica until 2020.
However, on 8 July 2014, it was announced that Ramos and teammate Estrela were transferred to Orlando City of the USL Pro, the third level of the United States soccer league system, on 3.5 year professional contracts as part of an affiliation between the two clubs. The players' contracts would see the two new signings finish out the 2014 USL Pro season with the club before transitioning into Major League Soccer in 2015.
Ramos, along with Estrela, made his professional debut with Orlando City on 23 August 2014 in a late season league match against Richmond Kickers. Ramos also scored in first goal with City in the match, scoring the match-winner in the 70th minute giving City a 3–2 victory over Richmond. After the match, head coach Adrian Heath stated in regards to the two new players, "I thought that the two new players were outstanding, considering that they haven't played for two or three weeks. Their contribution was massive..."
On 18 January 2018, Ramos was traded to Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Cameron Lindley and $100,000 of Targeted Allocation Money.
On 6 August 2018, Chicago and Ramos mutually agreed to part ways. Later that day, Dutch team FC Twente announced they had signed Ramos. He helped the team win the 2018–19 Eerste Divisie title and promotion back to the Eredivisie.
On 2 July 2019, Ramos returned to his native Portugal to sign with Santa Clara of the Primeira Liga.

Personal

Ramos holds a U.S. green card which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.

Honours

;Benfica
; FC Twente