Ricardo (footballer, born June 1976)

Ricardo Alexandre Martins Soares Pereira (born 11 June 1976), known simply as Ricardo, is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Ricardo began his career with Boavista, where he won the Portuguese Cup in 1997 and the Portuguese League in 2001. He gained prominence for his performances, leading to a transfer to Sporting CP in 2003.

He is best remembered for his penalty-saving prowess, particularly during UEFA Euro 2004 where he saved a penalty from Darius Vassell without gloves in the quarter-final shootout against England, before then scoring the winning penalty himself. Portugal ultimately reached the final.

Ricardo also represented Portugal at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, again helping his nation progress past England on penalties in the quarter-finals, saving penalties from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Jamie Carragher. He was a key member of the Portuguese national team for several years, earning over 70 caps.

After leaving Sporting CP, Ricardo had spells with Real Betis in Spain, and later with Leicester City in England. He returned to Portugal to play for Vitória de Setúbal before retiring.

Following his playing career, Ricardo transitioned into coaching, working as a goalkeeper coach at various clubs.