Who is new Benfica midfielder Richard Rios

Richard Rios is a 25 year old Colombian international midfielder who joined Benfica this summer from Brazilian side Palmeiras on July 22 for a club record €27 million. He signed a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2030 with a €100 million buy clause.

Rios begin as a futsal player, honing his skills before making the move professional football. His journey took him from Colombia to Brazil where he joined Flamengo's youth clubs. He moved to Palmeiras in March 2023 and emerged as a key member of the squad and was recognized as the Brazilian leagues best dribbler in 2023.

Rios is a versatile midfielder capable of playing various roles, primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, with the ability to contribute in attacking positions. His style is shaped by his futsal background, which gives him exceptional dribbling, quick footwork, and agility.

Benfica views Ríos as an “all-action midfielder” to bolster their midfield for domestic and Champions League competitions. However, early performances have drawn mixed reviews from fans, with some labeling him “overrated” due to high expectations from the record-breaking fee.

Critics argue his contributions haven’t yet matched the investment, though his technical attributes suggest potential for growth under Benfica’s coaching. Rios will need some time to adapt to European football but he has the tools to become a stand out in the Portuguese League and beyond.