Full name Ronaldo Vieira Nan Playing position 2009–2011 Benfica Nationality Guinean Siblings Romario Vieira | Place of birth Bissau, Guinea Bissau Number 25 Height 1.78 m Weight 78 kg | |
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Date of birth (1998-07-19) 19 July 1998 (age 18) Current team Leeds United F.C. (#25 / Midfielder) Similar Kalvin Phillips, Luke Ayling, Hadi Sacko, Tyler Denton, Lewie Coyle Profiles | ||
Ronaldo Vieira Nan (born 19 July 1998) is a Bissau-Guinean footballer who also holds Portuguese nationality, and plays for Leeds United in the Football League Championship. Mainly operating as a central midfielder, he can also play as an attacking and defensive midfielder.
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Early career
Vieira was born in Guinea-Bissau but raised in Portugal, where he signed for the academy at S.L. Benfica, the club he supported. However, he left Portugal in 2011 with his family in search of more job opportunities for his father in England.
Vieira began playing football in England for Whitley Bay Boys Club, a local team in Newcastle. Viera then moved to Yorkshire and played 2 seasons in the Huddersfield Junior Football league for Batley Phoenix under the tutelage of respected coach Tony Shuttleworth. Vieira also had unsuccessful trials at Premier League sides Manchester City and Hull City.
Vieira then signed for York-based i2i Football Academy whilst studying at York College. He joined Leeds United on trial in September 2015, and signed for the academy after impressing.
Leeds United
After impressing for the academy, Vieira signed a two-year professional deal with Leeds on 5 May 2016. Highly rated by then Head Coach Steve Evans, Vieira was named on the bench for Leeds on 7 May 2016 against Preston North End, and made his debut in the same game coming on as a substitute for Stuart Dallas in a 1–1 draw.
Vieira became a regular starter for the first team during the 2016–17 pre-season under new Head Coach Garry Monk, including in the final pre season friendly against Serie A side Atalanta, where Vieira received the man of the match award in a 2-1 win.
On 5 August 2016, Vieira was given the squad number 25 shirt for the upcoming 2016–17 season. On 7 August, on the opening day of the 2016/17 season Vieira made his first Leeds start against Q.P.R. in a 3-0 defeat, with Vieira also giving away a penalty.
On 1 September 2016, with Vieria now part of Leeds first choice Central Midfielder pairing with Liam Bridcutt, it was announced that Ronaldo had signed a new 3-year deal with the Elland Road club. It was also confirmed on the same day, that twin brother, Romario had signed a 1-year contract with Leeds after signing from Tadcaster Albion, joining up with the development squad for the 2016-17 campaign.
On 26 October, Vieira scored the winning penalty for Leeds in Leeds' penalty shootout victory against Norwich City in the English League Cup, after a dramatic 2-2 draw in normal time.
On 5 November, Vieira scored his first goal from play, once again against Norwich City. His 90th minute strike from long distance was enough to see Leeds edge out a 3-2 thrilling victory at Carrow Road.
International career
Vieira is eligible to represent Guinea Bissau, Portugal or even England having been educated in the country for five years before the age of 18.
On 28 January 2017, when asked who he would like to represent, Vieira said that his first choice would be to play for the Portugal national side, however he was open to the idea of playing for England.
Personal life
Viera moved to Portugal at the age of five shortly after the death of his father.
Vieira has a twin brother named Romario, named after the Brazilian footballer Romário, with Ronaldo named after Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. His brother Romario, is also a footballer and joined his brother at Leeds United on 1 September 2016 on a one-year deal.