Ricardo Rocha (footballer, born 1982)


Ricardo Nuno Oliveira da Rocha is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Matosinhos, Rocha competed in the lower leagues until the age of almost 27, when he signed for G.D. Chaves for 2009–10. He made his debut in the Segunda Liga on 16 August by featuring the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 home loss against C.D. Feirense, and contributed with a further 23 appearances as the season ended in relegation; additionally, he helped his team reach the final of the Taça de Portugal, being sent off in the last minute of a 1–2 defeat to FC Porto.
In late January 2011, Rocha left Chaves and joined Primeira Liga club S.C. Beira-Mar on a free transfer. After failing to establish himself, he returned to the second level with S.C. Covilhã in the summer.
In another January transfer window move, and again as a free agent, Rocha returned to Chaves in 2013. He started in all his appearances in his first year, helping the side return to the second tier as champions.

Honours

Chaves