Ricardo Brandão extends at FC Porto: “I want to kick on further” | OneFootball

Ricardo Brandão, a Portuguese international line player, has extended his contract with FC Porto, the club announced this Tuesday. The 21-year-old handball player is now tied to the Dragons until 2029.

Ricardo Brandão has represented the club since 2020 and spent time on loan at FC Gaia and Cangas, in Spain, before taking on a bigger role in FC Porto’s first team. “His 30 goals in 20 matches and the award for best line player at the Under-20 European Championship, at a time when Paulo Jorge Pereira had already called him up to the senior national team, were decisive for his full breakthrough in 2024/25. A major presence in domestic and international competitions, Ricardo Brandão was eventually called up for the 2025 World Championship, where he helped Portugal achieve its best-ever finish (fourth place), and he ended the season with a remarkable 123 goals in 51 matches. Runner-up at the Under-21 World Championship during the summer, Porto’s number 86 hit the ground running in 2025/26, stood out for his quality and composure in finishing, and was once again included in the Portuguese squad that ended the European Championship in a historic fifth place,” the club recalled on its official website.

Speaking to FC Porto’s official media channels, Ricardo Brandão delivered a message of strong ambition. “I’m the same Dragon I was when I arrived at FC Porto. I’m a Dragon who wants to win and help the club as much as possible. I feel I’ve grown in several aspects, both offensively and in knowing how to handle myself on the biggest stages. Defensively, I also feel I’ve improved. My work at FC Porto helped me reach the national team and play in the last three competitions I took part in. Doing well at FC Porto helped me a lot,” he said.

His individual and collective goals are clearly defined. “Our goal is to win every game and do our best. I want to establish myself even more at FC Porto and win a title with this badge on my chest,” he said, recalling some memorable moments. “I have many, but I remember when I became champion for the first time in Águas Santas, and I also remember my debut. There have been many great moments here.”

Ricardo Brandão also highlighted the support of more experienced players, such as Daymaro Salina. “It’s very good, he has helped me a lot to improve. He gives me a lot of feedback. Both Victor [Iturriza] and Daymaro [Salina] have helped me a lot in several aspects,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.