AS entrances go, this is up there with some of the best.
When Portugal coach Fernando Santos dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for the last-16 clash against Switzerland for 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, it was a decision that could have backfired spectacularly.
But, with all the pressure on the young forward’s shoulders, he came to the fore – scoring a stunning hat-trick to banish the Swiss from Qatar in a commanding 6-1 win.
Ramos was already seen as the heir to Ronaldo’s throne, and it was a performance that cemented that belief, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looking on as his understudy drew the plaudits.
The boy from the Algarve was destined to be a footballer, following in the footsteps of his dad Manuel who was capped twice by Portugal’s U21s.
His rise at Benfica alongside Darwin Nunez was steady, but since the Uruguayan left for Liverpool that ascent has been more rapid.
Now the main man with the Lisbon giants, Manchester United are said to be keeping close tabs on Ramos – who ironically could step into Ronaldo’s shoes for club and country.
Year of the Ram
Ramos grew up in 0lhao, where he began his football dream at Olhanense in 2009.
A spell at Loule led to Benfica snapping him up when he was just 12.
It was in the 2020-21 season in their B team he began to shine – scoring 11 times in 12 games, which got the attention of then-coach Jorge Jesus.
Jesus gave him a start in the qualifying round of the Champions League against Spartak Moscow.
But chances were few and far between, following the arrival of Roman Yaremchuk and the return of Nunez from injury.
However, when interim manager Nelson Verissimo replaced Jesus in January 2022 – his luck was in.
Verissimo was his coach for the B team and got the best out of the talent.
And in the first team, it paid dividends. Ramos played regularly and contributed seven goals. His most memorable was in the 3-3 draw at Anfield against Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Already he had garnered a nickname. He was christened ‘The Wizard’ by fans.
He’s continued to fly
Compared to Karim Benzema for his ability to bring others into play, Ramos is comfortable playing as a striker or second striker.
He likes to drop deep and help his team build their attacks, and at 6ft1in tall has plenty of strength to hold off defenders.
It’s this season under German manager Roger Schmidt, who has utilised Ramos as his front man, the goals have rained in.
He scored his first career hat-trick against Midtjylland in a 4-1 win in the Champions League,
In 21 games this campaign he has 14 goals. Benfica fans are right to ask the question, “Darwin who?’
Last summer, Manchester United were one of the clubs targeting Ramos – who was then valued at £25million. You can imagine now that fee has doubled.
His feet are being firmly kept on the ground by dad Manuel, who helped shape his football identity.
Ramos Sr was a promising talent himself, and played twice for Portugal’s U21 side.
However, he didn’t hit the heights his son already has – with Farense being the most famous club he played for.
At just 21, Ramos has been called the heir to Ronaldo’s throne
But Manuel is a regular at the Estadio da Luz, watching from the stands as his son’s stock continues to rise.
Maybe he will be watching him next at Old Trafford, not playing for Benfica, but turning out for the Red Devils in the near future.
