Ricardo Rocha (footballer, born 1962)
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Ricardo Rocha is a Portuguese football (soccer) player. He was born in Santo Tirso, Portugal on October 3, 1978. 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
Rocha 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. He is a heavy contender for selection for the upcoming
in Germany, as a backup defender for Paulo Ferreira, and Luiz Felipe Scolari sees' a lot of potential, particularly after an accomplished performance marking Ronaldinho in the Quater-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
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
Rocha formed a resolute centre-back partnership with 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 Moscow.
2005\2006
Ricardo Rocha becomes SL Benfica's hero as he marks Ronaldinho from scoring in the First leg of the Champions league quater-finals. Speaking after the most testing 90 minutes of his career, the 27-year-old Rocha said: "It is very hard to mark Ronaldinho and I'm feeling quite tired. He's a fabulous player but I tried to do my best. He congratulated me at the end of the game and it is not everyday that you hear something like that from the best player in the world."
Facts
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.