Ramires Santos do Nascimen. - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Ramires Santos do Nascimento, best known as Ramires, was born on March 24, 1987 in Barra do Pirai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His childhood was filled with a passion for football, leading him to play for Royal Sport Club, a small local football team, as a child. Being from a humble background, Ramires worked at a brick factory during the day and trained in the evening.
Youth Career
Ramires' career truly began at the esteemed Club de Regatas do Flamengo in 2000. At age 13, he left Rio to live in the club's football academy, honing his skills and playing among the youth ranks till 2004. However, due to financial constraints and family issues, Ramires had to head back to his hometown where he continued his development with Joinville.
Professional Career - Cruzeiro
Ramires made his professional debut at the age of 19 with Cruzeiro, a top-flight club in Brazil. He quickly made his mark, earning a place in the starting eleven in a short period of time. Ramires led Cruzeiro to victory in Estadual Championship, and reached the final of the Brazil Cup in 2008, underlining his importance in the team.
Move to Europe - Benfica
In 2009, Ramires made his move to Europe, joining Portuguese side Benfica. Rapidly, he showcased the same energy and tenacity as in Brazil, helping Benfica to secure the Portuguese title Liga Sagres in 2009-2010. He quickly earned the respect and admiration of the Portuguese fans with his exceptional midfield performances.
Chelsea
In the summer of 2010, Ramires transferred to Chelsea FC in English Premier League. A core figure in midfield, Ramires played a key role in Chelsea’s historic 2011-2012 Champions League title win. He is well remembered for his stunning chip goal in the semi-final against Barcelona. In his spell at Chelsea, he also won the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Europa League.
Move to China - Jiangsu Suning
In January 2016, in a surprising move, Ramires transferred to Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Super League, which was reportedly one of the highest transfer deals in Asia. He completed four seasons with the club, winning the Chinese FA Cup in 2015 before moving on loan to Palmeiras in Brazil in 2020.
Return to Brazil - Palmeiras
Ramires joined the Brazilian club Palmeiras on loan in 2020. He became an important part of the team, helping them to lift the Paulista Championship. Still, his time at Palmeiras was cut short due to injuries and contractual issues.
International Career
Ramires' performances at club level earned him recognition on the international stage as well. He represented Brazil in various competitions, including Copa America 2007 and 2011, Confederations Cup 2009, and the World Cup 2010 and 2014. Ramires has over 50 caps for Brazil national team.
Style of Play
Known for his tireless energy, box-to-box runs, and ball-winning abilities, Ramires was a versatile midfield player. Primarily a central midfielder, he could also play in a wide role or as a defensive midfielder. His industrious style, coupled with his technical abilities and knack for scoring important goals, made him a favorite among fans and coaches.
Legacy
Ramires will be remembered as a midfielder who worked tirelessly for his team every time he stepped onto the field. His significant contributions to Chelsea's historic Champions League win in 2012 will forever be part of English football folklore. His journey from the humble beginnings to the pinnacles of European football serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers all over the globe.
Personal Life
Ramires is married to Islana Rosa do Nascimento. The couple have two children together. Apart from football, Ramires is keenly passionate about his family, spending his off-day activities with his wife and children. He remains private about his life, keeping away from media interference. His Christian faith plays a vital role in his personality and is evident in his humility and work ethic on and off the pitch.
