Ricardinho

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Ricardinho's journey began at Paraná Clube before he joined Corinthians, where he won two national titles in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. After the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he transferred to city rivals São Paulo FC, partnering with international teammate and fellow World Cup winner Kaká. His return to Corinthians occurred in January 2006 on a two-year deal as one of Media Sport Investment's signings. Notably, his monthly salary was set at 250,000 Brazilian reais, compared to the 430,000 received by fellow signing Carlos Tevez. This financial detail highlighted the club's investment strategy during that period, even as Ricardinho sought to re-establish himself after his European ventures.

In Their Own Story

In February 2004, Ricardinho returned to Europe on a short-term basis, signing for Middlesbrough for the rest of the Premier League season. He reunited with compatriots Juninho Paulista and Doriva at the club. Despite manager Steve McClaren suggesting he would make the first team for a game against Newcastle United after playing one reserve match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ricardinho only ever made the substitutes' bench once, against Chelsea. He was released on 22 April after complaining about his lack of playing time; McClaren later clarified that he had been signed specifically to cover injuries and suspensions that had since passed.

Reader's Guide

Ricardinho's career path offers a clear timeline for fans: born in São Paulo, he started at Paraná Clube, then moved to Corinthians where he won two national titles. In 1997–98, he spent one season at FC Girondins de Bordeaux before returning to Brazil. His most famous European stint was with Middlesbrough in early 2004, which ended quickly due to limited minutes. He later signed for Santos FC in May 2004, where he scored a last-minute winner against São Paulo on 10 July and a hat-trick on 7 September 2005. His international career spanned from his debut on 28 March 2000 to 2006, culminating in the 2002 World Cup victory and participation in the 2003 Confederations Cup.

Did You Know?

• Ricardinho was a late replacement for the injured Emerson in the 2002 World Cup squad and went to his second home in Curitiba without his passport when called up.
• During his time at Middlesbrough, he only made the substitutes' bench once (against Chelsea) despite manager Steve McClaren suggesting he would play against Newcastle United.
• In May 2008, Ricardinho signed a two-year deal with Al-Rayyan SC in Qatar under compatriot manager Paulo Autuori before returning to Brazil in September 2009.
• As a manager, he led Santa Cruz to win the Campeonato Pernambucano in 2015 before being dismissed while the team was in the Série B relegation zone.
• He scored his only international goal for Brazil on 17 August 2005, equalizing with a free kick in a 1–1 friendly draw with Croatia.