When futsal legend Ricardinho speaks, the global futsal community listens. And in a TikTok interview with @ashfutbolita from 25 November, the six-time World’s Best Player shared candid reflections.
He touched not just on his storied career, but also on what he believes Singapore’s futsal scene already has: raw quality and untapped potential.
Why Ricardinho Was in Singapore
Ricardinho was in Singapore for The Cage Select 5s 2025, a marquee futsal event held as part of Singapore’s Urban Sports + Fitness Festival, which took place island-wide from 15 to 30 November.
The Portuguese icon’s visit marked his second time in Singapore, where he took part in exhibition matches and futsal activities alongside local players.
A Living Legend of the Game
Few players in futsal history have achieved what Ricardinho has.
The Portuguese star is a FIFA Futsal World Cup Champion (2021), UEFA Futsal EURO Champion (2018), and a six-time Futsal Planet World’s Best Player. His club career spans dominance across Europe and Asia — from Benfica and Inter Movistar to Nagoya Oceans and ACCS France.
His trophy cabinet includes multiple league titles, continental championships, Golden Shoes, and Player of the Tournament awards — achievements that have cemented his status as one of futsal’s greatest to ever play the game.
The Trophy That Meant Everything
When asked about the best trophy he has ever won, Ricardinho admitted it was a difficult question.
“I have more than 50,” he said.
Still, one stood above the rest — the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup with Portugal.
He described it as his “last bullet” at the World Cup, making the victory deeply emotional and unforgettable. Winning it with the national team, he said, was “the most beautiful” moment of his career.
‘Futsal Chose Me’
Growing up in Portugal — a country famous for football — Ricardinho did not dream of becoming a futsal star. Like most kids, he started with football, but one moment changed everything.
A coach told him he was “too small” to make it in football. Discouraged, Ricardinho nearly gave up altogether — until he tried futsal.
“I always say that futsal chose me, not I chose futsal,” he said.
What began as a single tournament turned into a lifelong calling. His message was clear: never give up, even when someone says no.
What Makes a Complete Futsal Player
Known not just for flair but also for his defensive strength, Ricardinho stressed that the best players are those who understand the entire game.
“You can be a good player even if you just know about attack or about defense,” he explained. “But if you want to be one of the best, you need to understand the game like no one.”
For Ricardinho, greatness comes from balance — vision, technique, defensive discipline and attacking instinct. Coaches, he said, value complete players most. Those who can do everything stay on the court longer.
His advice to young players was simple: train everything.
“Don’t focus on one thing. Focus on everything,” he said. “In general, you will be a good player.”
A Belief in Singapore Futsal’s Potential
While brief, Ricardinho’s words carried weight. He acknowledged that Singapore has many qualities when it comes to futsal talent. The skills are there. The passion is there.
What stood out most was not criticism, but belief — that with the right pathways and development, Singapore futsal can grow into something much bigger.
Coming from a player who has conquered the world stage, that belief alone speaks volumes.
Watch the interview here:
@ashfutbolita Futsal legend Ricardinho – widely regarded as the world’s best, a FIFA Futsal World Cup winner with Portugal and 6-time Best Player – shares how he thinks futsal can grow in Singapore… plus his top tips for aspiring players ⚽🔥 #sgsports #sgnews #futsal
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