Born on 16 May 1993 in Portugal, Ricardo Sousa Esgaio is a seasoned defender who has primarily showcased his skills as a right back player for Sporting CP. With a height of 5ft 8in (1.73m) and weighing in at a snug 10st 5lb (66kg), Esgaio brings agility and rugged finesse to the field. Donning the number 47 jersey, Esgaio, now 32, has also worn the colours of the Portugal national team with honour.
As of today, according to Transfermarkt, Esgaio carries a market value of around £1.3m. Yet time proves to be the real test as his contract with Sporting CP has just over a year left to run, set for expiry on 30 June 2026.
Esgaio has steadily built his resume since his debut season of 2012-2013 at Sporting CP where he made three first-team appearances. His stint continued past the season of 2014-2015, once again seeing him make it into the field three times.
Following his tenure at Sporting CP, a new challenge beckoned. In the season of 2014-2015, Esgaio crossed over to Académica in Portugal where he engaged in 15 first team appearances.
However, the lure of Sporting CP was undeniable for the seasoned right back. Esgaio returned in the seasons of 2015 - 2016 and 2016 - 2017 to complete another eight appearances each.
Yet the horizons of Esgaio’s career expanded further. From the seasons of 2017 - 2018 to 2020 - 2021, he anchored himself in SC Braga's team where he executed as many as 30 first team appearances per season and secured six goals.
The seasons of 2021 - 2022 to the current 2024 - 2025 saw the veteran player make yet another return to Sporting CP. Taking the field with a commendable frequency, Esgaio has made 27 to 28 appearances per season and scored a goal in the season of 2022 - 2023.
Esgaio's prowess also shone in Europa League 2023 - 2024 where he led Sporting CP with seven starts and two appearances as a substitute, and in Champions League 2024 - 2025 with two starts and two appearances as a substitute.
