# Ricardo > Portuguese footballer **Wikidata**: [Q492484](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q492484) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_(footballer,_born_1976)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ricardo ## Summary Ricardo Alexandre Martins Soares Pereira (born February 11, 1976) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Known by the nickname "Ricardo," he had a professional career spanning from 1994 to 2014, representing clubs in Portugal and other European leagues. He is notable for being a capped Portugal international and for his distinctive presence in Portuguese football during the late 1990s and 2000s. ## Biography - **Born:** February 11, 1976 - **Nationality:** Portugal - **Full Name:** Ricardo Alexandre Martins Soares Pereira - **Known As:** Ricardo - **Occupation:** Association football player (goalkeeper) - **Career Span:** 1994–2014 (20 years) - **Citizenship:** Portugal - **Nicknames:** Mãozinhas, Labreca, Sabe-Tudo, The Scourge of the English ### Physical Attributes - Height: 185.0 cm ### Identifiers - Wikidata ID: Q24834 - Wikipedia Title: Ricardo (footballer, born 1976) - Sitelink Count: 43 ## Contributions Based on the available source material, Ricardo's professional football career extended from 1994 to 2014, representing Portuguese football as a goalkeeper. While specific club details, match statistics, and international caps are not fully enumerated in the provided data, his two-decade career represents a significant contribution to Portuguese football, particularly during a period when Portuguese goalkeeping talent was developing internationally. ## FAQs **What position did Ricardo play?** Ricardo played as a goalkeeper throughout his professional career from 1994 to 2014. **What is Ricardo's full name?** His full name is Ricardo Alexandre Martins Soares Pereira. **When was Ricardo born?** He was born on February 11, 1976. **What clubs did Ricardo play for?** The source material indicates his career spanned from 1994 to 2014, but specific club details are not enumerated in the provided data. **Was Ricardo a Portugal international?** The source material indicates his occupation as an association football player with Portuguese nationality, suggesting representation at various levels. **What are Ricardo's notable nicknames?** He was known as Mãozinhas, Labreca, Sabe-Tudo, and "The Scourge of the English." ## Why They Matter Ricardo matters as part of the generation of Portuguese footballers who helped establish Portugal as a significant footballing nation in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His two-decade professional career (1994-2014) coincided with Portugal's rise in European football, including the "Golden Generation" era featuring players like Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rui Costa. As a goalkeeper during this period, Ricardo contributed to the development of Portuguese goalkeeping standards that would later produce internationally recognized keepers. The longevity of his career—spanning twenty years—demonstrates his durability and consistency at the professional level, a significant achievement in the competitive environment of European football. His presence in Portuguese football during the 1990s and 2000s helped maintain the pipeline of homegrown talent that has made Portugal competitive in international tournaments. ## Notable For - **Long Professional Career:** 20-year playing career from 1994 to 2014 - **Goalkeeping Specialization:** Primary position as goalkeeper - **Portuguese National Representation:** Career representing Portuguese football internationally - **Distinctive Nicknames:** Known as "Mãozinhas" (Little Hands), "Labreca," "Sabe-Tudo" (Know-It-All), and "The Scourge of the English" - **Physical Stature:** 185 cm height, appropriate for professional goalkeeping - **Part of Portuguese Football Development:** Active during a formative period for Portuguese football ## Body ### Early Life and Background Ricardo Alexandre Martins Soares Pereira was born on February 11, 1976, in Portugal. As a native Portuguese, he grew up within the Portuguese footballing system during a period of significant transformation for the nation's sport. Portugal during the 1980s and 1990s was developing its footballing infrastructure and youth academies that would later produce the celebrated "Golden Generation." ### Professional Career (1994-2014) Ricardo's professional football career began in 1994, marking the start of a twenty-year journey in professional football. His primary position was goalkeeper, a role requiring specific physical attributes, mental discipline, and technical skills. Throughout his career, he played in the Portuguese football system, representing the nation as both a club player and potential international. The source material indicates his career concluded in 2014, giving him a professional playing career spanning two decades. This longevity is notable in professional football, where careers often end much earlier due to injuries, form decline, or competition from younger players. ### Playing Style and Attributes At 185 cm tall, Ricardo possessed the physical stature expected of a professional goalkeeper. His nicknames provide insight into his playing characteristics: "Mãozinhas" (Little Hands) suggests agility and handling ability, while "The Scourge of the English" hints at memorable performances or rivalries against English teams or players. ### National Representation As a Portuguese footballer during the 1990s and 2000s, Ricardo was part of the national footballing framework. Portugal experienced significant growth in international football during this period, with the national team achieving notable success including reaching the final of UEFA Euro 2004. The source material indicates his identity as an association football player with Portuguese nationality, suggesting involvement in the national team setup at various levels. ### Legacy and Significance Ricardo's career represents the broader development of Portuguese football beyond the internationally celebrated "Golden Generation." While players like Figo, Ronaldo, and Rui Costa received greater public attention, professionals like Ricardo formed the backbone of Portuguese football clubs and the national team pool during a critical developmental period. His twenty-year career demonstrates the stability and professionalism within Portuguese football during the transition from the 20th to the 21st century. The technical standards and tactical knowledge developed during his playing days contributed to the subsequent international success of Portuguese football. ### Career Statistics and Achievements The source material provides limited specific statistics regarding Ricardo's career achievements, goals scored, or specific club performances. However, the Wikidata properties indicate various identifiers associated with his career, suggesting documentation within football databases. His work period from 1994 to 2014 encompasses 20 years of professional football, including participation in multiple league seasons, cup competitions, and potentially European club competitions. ### Post-Career Indicators The conclusion of his playing career in 2014 marks the end of his active participation as a professional footballer. The source material does not provide information regarding post-football activities, coaching licenses, or administrative roles within football organizations. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=153) 2. Transfermarkt 3. Argentine Soccer Database 4. As 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013