Name Rui Ribeiro Playing position Role Footballer | 1991–1994 1º Maio Figueiro Height 1.83 m 1994–1998 Vitoria Guimaraes Current team AR Sao Martinho | |
Full name Rui Orlando Ribeiro Santos Neto Date of birth (1979-10-24) 24 October 1979 (age 36) | ||
Place of birth Santo Tirso, Portugal | ||
Rui Orlando Ribeiro Santos Neto (born 24 October 1979), known as Orlando, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Associação Recreativa de São Martinho as a central defender.
Football career
Born in Santo Tirso, Porto District, Orlando started his career with AD Fafe in the third division in 1998, moving on to Moreirense FC after three years. Under the guidance of Manuel Machado, he was an important defensive member of a side that promoted to the Primeira Liga – the season prior to the player's arrival, the club was also in the third level.
In 2006, Orlando returned to division three with S.C. Freamunde. After a good season, he was signed by Académica de Coimbra, being an undisputed starter from his debuts. In 2008–09 he scored in both games against F.C. Paços de Ferreira (2–1 win at home, 1–1 away), and continued to be an automatic first-choice in the following top flight campaigns.
Orlando spent the better part of 2010–11 and 2011–12 on the sidelines, nursing an injury. In the first game upon his return, on 15 January 2012, he had to be stretchered off in the early minutes of the home fixture against Vitória de Guimarães, in an eventual 0–2 loss; after surgery, he remained inactive for nearly one more year.
In the summer of 2012, after five seasons with the Briosa, Orlando parted ways with the club. In January of the following year he agreed on a return to Freamunde, who now competed now in the second tier.
Following Freamunde's relegation, Orlando signed for FC Felgueiras on a one-year deal.