Ricardo Rocha (footballer, born 1962)
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Ricardo Rocha is a Portuguese soccer star. He currently plays for SL Benfica. An indefatigable and aggressive player comfortable anywhere across the back line, Ricardo Rocha is particularly adept at man-marking.
National team
Appeared in two friendlies for Portugal against Scotland and Italy in 2002/03 but otherwise has been unable to force his way into the reckoning.
Club
Ricardo Rocha started his career with FC Famalicão in 1998/99 before making the switch to SC Braga. A season with the B side followed before he made his debut in September 2000, going on to make 19 appearances in his first season. He started 25 matches the following campaign and his performances were coveted by SL benfica who signed him in the summer of 2002.
2002: He quickly settled in Lisbon, playing 52 league games in his first two seasons and helping the side to Portuguese Cup triumph in 2004.
2004/05: Formed a resolute centre-back partnership Luisão, recovering well from a spell on the sidelines to make 25 starts as Benfica claimed the SuperLiga title. He was also a regular in the UEFA Cup, helping the Lisbon side to the Round of 32 before elimination by eventual champions PFC CSKA Moskva.
Not a natural goalscorer, Ricardo Rocha scored just two goals in his first five seasons of top-flight football - both for Braga in 2001/02.