Ricardo Nunes (footballer, born 1982)


Ricardo Jorge Novo Nunes, known simply as Ricardo, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for G.D. Chaves as a goalkeeper.

Club career

Born in Póvoa de Varzim, Ricardo joined local Varzim SC's youth system at the age of 10. He made his senior debut with amateurs Grupo Desportivo Fradelos before returning in 2003, going on to compete four seasons in the second division, the last two as first-choice; in March 2006, during a match against Moreirense FC, he scored from goal to goal to give his team the win.
For 2007–08, Ricardo moved to the Primeira Liga with Académica de Coimbra. He played his first game in the competition on 24 November 2007 in a 1–3 home loss against S.L. Benfica, in what was his only appearance of the campaign; during his first years, he served as backup to Pedro Roma and French Romuald Peiser respectively, but, on 19 May 2012, started in the final of the Portuguese Cup against Sporting CP, helping to a 1–0 win for the Students' first win in the competition in 73 years.
In 2012–13, Ricardo became first-choice for Académica under manager Pedro Emanuel. He played 37 matches all competitions comprised, retaining his post under new boss Sérgio Conceição.
In late May 2014, free agent Ricardo signed a three-year contract with fellow league club FC Porto. He was only third-choice during his first season, and subsequently served top level loans at Vitória F.C. and G.D. Chaves.
Ricardo joined Chaves on a permanent three-year deal on 18 May 2017, after becoming a free agent. In August 2019, he announced he was putting his career on hold due to an oncological disease.

Honours

Académica