Vitória Sign First European Player Since 2018 with Arrival of Rúben Rodrigues

After a seven-year absence of European talent, Vitória have officially signed Portuguese forward Rúben Rodrigues, marking a new chapter in the club’s recruitment strategy. As reported by Lance!, Rodrigues becomes the first European-born player to join the team since German midfielder Alexander Baumjohann in 2018.

During his unveiling on Monday, Rúben expressed his excitement about the move. “Everyone knows Brazilian football: Ronaldinho, Vini Jr., Rodrygo… It’s not easy to go to a new country, but this is a unique opportunity to show my qualities,” he said. The 28-year-old hopes his arrival signals a shift that will attract more European players to Brazilian clubs.

Under current president Fábio Mota, Vitória have mostly recruited from South America. Since 2022, the club has signed seven foreign players, including Colombian striker Santiago Tréllez, who played a key role in their promotion from Série C. Today, only Paraguayan right back Raúl Cáceres remains on the roster.

Looking ahead, Vitória plan to further explore international options during the upcoming transfer window, set to open on July 10. One name already linked is Panamanian striker Ismael Díaz, currently at Ecuador’s Universidad Católica.

Rodrigues represents not only a new signing but also the club’s ambition to think globally while continuing its rise in Brazilian football.