A new chapter just opened for Rodrigo Ramos, a young defender with FC Porto. This past Friday, the sixteen-year-old put pen to paper, signing his first professional contract with the storied club. It’s a significant moment, marking a clear belief in his talent from the Dragons’ leadership.
Rodrigo’s journey to the iconic Estádio do Dragão started early. He first joined FC Porto in the 2021/22 season. Before that, he honed his skills at Recreio Desportivo de Águeda and Casa do Benfica de Estarreja. These early years shaped the player he is today, a young man who looks up to defensive giants like Jorge Costa, Pepe, and Sergio Ramos for inspiration.
“This is a very special day for me,” Rodrigo shared on FC Porto’s official website. “It shows the club believes in me. It’s a feeling of great pride for both my family and myself. I worked incredibly hard to get here. Through every practice, every match, I never quit, even during the toughest times. I’m truly happy to sign this professional deal with FC Porto.”
He then reflected on his path into football. “I started playing at four years old. My short career began at Recreio Desportivo de Águeda. After four years, I moved to CB de Estarreja. Then, when I was twelve, FC Porto brought me in. I’ve been here ever since, and I’m very happy.”
Rodrigo says his time at FC Porto has been a constant learning experience. “Learning has been the strongest word since I arrived here,” he explained. “When I first came, nobody expected much from me, but I slowly made my mark. Learning is always part of life, but it’s been crucial here. I’ve learned so much, from my teammates and from the staff.” He describes himself as “good-humored” and “funny.” He adds, “Many teammates might say I’m a bit annoying, but every group needs one annoying person. I’m very honest and always have a smile on my face.”
On the Pitch
When it comes to the game, Rodrigo flips a switch. “I’m a very hard worker,” he states. “When it’s time to work, I don’t like jokes. It’s all maximum effort, no fooling around, with complete focus. I see myself as a leader.”
His position on the field has also seen some changes. “I started as a striker at Recreio Desportivo de Águeda,” he recalled. “When I joined CB de Estarreja, I was supposed to be a midfielder. But then there was a need for a defender, so I moved to defense. From that moment on, I’ve been a center-back, and I hope to stay a center-back forever.”
First Days at the Dragão
His first taste of FC Porto was intense. “I always wanted to experience a different environment,” he said. “I love intense training sessions. At my previous club, we didn’t have that kind of intensity. So when I arrived here, I quickly saw that the intensity was totally different. It’s all maximum effort, always with a smile on your face. It was a little tough at first, but I adapted very quickly.”
A Season of Lessons
His U15 season, for instance, proved challenging. “That year was a bit difficult for me, from the start through the middle,” Rodrigo admitted. “I worked hard for more minutes, I kept working and believing. By the end of the season, I finally got those minutes I wanted so badly. At the beginning of the last season, with the U16s, I had high hopes, and the first phase went very well. But then some games didn’t go so well, for me or the team. It wasn’t as easy a season as we imagined, but it served as a great learning experience.”
Looking Ahead to 2025/26
Now, with a professional contract in hand, Rodrigo looks to the future. “I hope this year is a happy one and brings lots of joy at the end,” he shared. “I expect to learn a lot, because that’s part of it and helps us grow. But above all, I hope we can be very happy at the end of the season.”
His inspirations remain constant. “My main reference is Jorge Costa, for his leadership,” he reiterated. “He was an extraordinary leader, and those are the examples I need to carry with me throughout my life as a football player. My other role models are Pepe and Sergio Ramos.”
The Big Dream
When asked about his ultimate dream, Rodrigo kept it simple and heartfelt. “My first dream, for now, is to be happy at the end of this season,” he concluded. “If we can lift a trophy, then so be it. But a big dream I hold in my heart is to reach the A-team and step onto the pitch at the Dragão. I want to feel that pressure and find happiness out there. The only thing I want is happiness.”