Ricardo Filipe da Silva Braga, renowned in the futsal world as Ricardinho, has once more left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Hailing from Valbom, Gondomar, Portugal, Ricardinho, born on September 3, 1985, has achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Riga FC, under his leadership, secured the championship title in the Latvian Premier League, marking his fifth league triumph in different countries. Despite being sidelined by injury for the final two matches, Ricardinho’s influence propelled Riga FC to victory, clinching a 3-1 win against RFS Futsal in the decisive game.
Ricardinho’s journey to Latvia began in August the previous year, following his success in the UEFA Futsal Champions League. His signing with Riga FC signified a transformative moment for the club, orchestrated by Mārtiņš Petrovs and Deniss Gaidukovs. This collaborative effort aimed to elevate Riga FC’s status, formerly known as Petrow, into a formidable force in European futsal.
Having garnered an impressive tally of 15 league titles throughout his career, Ricardinho’s legacy continues to grow. From his early triumphs with Benfica in Portugal to his ventures in Japan, Spain, France, and now Latvia, his journey exemplifies excellence and dedication to the sport. Despite challenges faced in the Russian Super League and the Indonesian championship, Ricardinho’s resilience remains unwavering.
Returning to Latvia after a period of reflection and recovery from injury, Ricardinho assembled a formidable squad for Riga FC. Notable players such as Thalles, Serginho, Daniel Airoso, Kiki Vaporaki, and Dylan Vargas joined forces to pursue further success under Ricardinho’s guidance.
In the final showdown against RFS Futsal, Ricardinho faced his former Inter teammate, Bateria. Despite the familiarity of his opponent, Ricardinho emerged victorious, adding another chapter to his storied career.