Ricardo Velho called up by Portugal after Diogo Costa withdrawal | OneFootball

Ricardo Velho called up by Portugal after Diogo Costa withdrawal | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OffsAIde

OffsAIde

·24 March 2026

Ricardo Velho called up by Portugal after Diogo Costa withdrawal

Article image:Ricardo Velho called up by Portugal after Diogo Costa withdrawal

Ricardo Velho, previously linked with Benfica, has been called up by Roberto Martínez for Portugal's current camp. The move follows the release of first-choice goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

On Monday, 23 March, the Portuguese federation announced that Porto captain Diogo Costa was unavailable to contribute to the national team. The current list also includes Benfica duo António Silva and Tomás Araújo.


OneFootball Videos


With the starter ruled out, Martínez turned to Velho, who is currently playing in Türkiye and is linked to Farense. It is the goalkeeper's second call-up under the Spanish coach.

This was not the only late change. Martínez has also released Rafael Leão and Rodrigo Mora, and in response called forward Paulinho.

Portugal are in a final camp ahead of their World Cup build-up this summer. During this international window they will play friendlies against Mexico and the United States, the tournament's host nations.

View publisher imprint