Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento has found a new home in his native Brazil. Nascimento, who graced the fields of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) with Mamelodi Sundowns, and Royal AM has penned a deal with Rio Branco Esporte Clube.
The 36-year-old joined Rio Branco on a two-year deal with the club based in Americana, São Paulo. Ricardo Nascimento’s new club competes in the Campeonato Paulista Segunda Divisão, the fourth tier of the São Paulo state football league.
He last played football in the DStv Premiership in the colours of Royal AM last season. However, the Brazilian defender parted ways with the KwaZulu-Natal side before the end of the campaign, making 24 appearances, including in the CAF Confederation Cup.
He scored three goals and provided two assists while playing a vital role in defence. Nascimento joined Royal AM in 2022 after parting ways with Sundowns, where he spent five-and-a-half seasons.
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NASCIMENTO JOINS RIO ESPORTE IN BRAZIL
“After a very long stay abroad [in South Africa], it is a great happiness to return to where it all began and in the city where I grew up with my family,” said Nascimento after joining Rio Esporte.
“Rio Branco is my second home. I hope I can help [the club] a lot,” he added. In Sundowns colours, Nascimento won five Premiership titles and was part of the team that won the CAF Super Cup back in the 2016/17 season under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.
He will be eager to share this experience of knowledge with Rio Esporte players, having played in the CAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup with Sundowns. He made over 140 appearances for Sundowns, netting 17 goals and providing two assists while playing as a defender.