Rui Patricio Retires: Portugal Legend Hangs Up Gloves

Rui Patricio bids farewell to football after illustrious career

Portugal legend Rui Patricio retires from football at 37, after winning Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League.

“This is a significant day in my life. This was the right time to do it and I'm very happy...”

Fernando Santos praised Rui Patricio as one of the best goalkeepers he's worked with, highlighting his exceptional skills and dedication. Santos won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League alongside Patricio, and his comments are a testament to Patricio's remarkable career.

Patricio's achievements on the pitch are impressive, with 108 international caps and numerous titles. Coaches like Santos and Paulo Bento hold him in high regard, a testament to his hard work and talent.

Patricio's legacy in Portuguese football is cemented, and he'll be remembered as one of the greats. Santos' comments are a fitting tribute to his remarkable career, and his contributions to Portuguese football will be remembered for years to come.

“I could have kept playing. I had offers, but I wanted to stop now. I started very young, at 18, at the top level, and now I want to do other things. It was a well-thought-out decision.”

The former Portugal goalkeeper, Rui Patricio, spoke to journalists at Cidade do Futebol, the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), in Oeiras, after a ceremony honoring his achievements. Patricio, who won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League with Portugal, has become the country's most-capped goalkeeper with 108 appearances.

During the ceremony, Patricio donated the boots and gloves he wore in the Euro 2016 final in Paris to the FPF museum. He received the federation's medal of merit, a trophy, and a shirt commemorating his 108 international caps from president Pedro Proenca. Patricio's illustrious career includes playing for top clubs like Sporting, Wolves, Roma, Atalanta, and Al Ain.

“I’ll stay connected to football, but now I want to enjoy what I missed during my career, which is spending time with my family and children. I want to make the most of it. After being here, for example, I’ll go to my kids’ Christmas party, something I couldn’t do before,” he said.

Rui Patrício announced the end of his career, at 37 years old 🏆

Thank you for everything ❤️🇵🇹

2016 Euro Final was one of the happiest days of my life, celebrating with the entire Portuguese community they had to shut the street down! pic.twitter.com/AiNlgBP2P9

— ThePortugueseXI (@PortugalFPF) December 12, 2025

One of the most iconic moments of Rui Patricio's career was his crucial save in the Euro 2016 final against France. The Portugal goalkeeper blocked Antoine Griezmann's header, keeping the score 0-0 and setting the stage for Eder's unforgettable extra-time goal, securing Portugal's 1-0 win. That save will forever be etched in Patricio's memory, and it's a big part of why he's remembered as one of the country's greatest goalkeepers.

“That was the most important moment because of everything that followed. It was the save in my career that had the biggest impact. I end my career proud. I played where I needed to play, I played what I needed to play,” he concluded.

Rui Patricio's farewell ceremony was a memorable event, with videos showcasing his best moments and attended by family, former teammates, and coaches like Roberto Martinez, Fernando Santos, and Paulo Bento. Pedro Proenca, FPF president, praised Patricio as a legend and confirmed he'll remain involved with the federation in other roles.

The ceremony was a testament to Patricio's illustrious career, with former teammates Adrien, Daniel Carrico, Marco Caneira, Ricardo, and Eder in attendance. Patricio donated his Euro 2016 final boots and gloves to the FPF museum and received the federation's medal of merit.

Patricio's achievements on the pitch are undeniable, with Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League titles, and 108 international caps. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, inspiring future generations of Portuguese players.

Rui Patricio's farewell ceremony was attended by an impressive lineup of former coaches and teammates. Roberto Martinez, Fernando Santos, and Paulo Bento were all present, with Bento being the coach who gave Patricio his professional debut at Sporting and first called him up to the national team.

The event was a celebration of Patricio's remarkable career, with Bento praising his former player's loyalty and dedication. Patricio's achievements on the pitch, including Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League titles, were recognized by all in attendance.

Patricio's relationship with Bento goes way back, and it's fitting that his former coach was there to bid him farewell. Bento's influence on Patricio's career can't be overstated, and it's clear the two have a strong bond.

Fernando Santos had high praise for Rui Patricio, calling him one of the best goalkeepers he's had the pleasure of working with. Santos, who won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League with Patricio, praised his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.

Patricio's impressive career is a testament to his hard work and talent, and it's no surprise that coaches like Santos and Paulo Bento hold him in such high regard. His achievements on the pitch, including 108 international caps, speak for themselves.

Santos' comments are a fitting tribute to Patricio's remarkable career, and it's clear that he'll be remembered as one of the greats of Portuguese football.

“At the time, we knew we were dealing with someone with tremendous technical, tactical, physical, emotional and mental qualities. His work ethic and professionalism were outstanding. That’s what allowed him to build such an extraordinary career,” Bento told reporters.

Rui Patricio has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 37, with a ceremony held in his honor. The Portugal legend expressed his pride and gratitude for the journey he has had, stating, “This is a significant day in my life. This was the right time to do it and I'm very happy. I made the decision to leave football because that's what I want now.”

Patricio's impressive career spanned nearly two decades, and he has chosen to hang up his gloves at a time of his choosing. The goalkeeper reflected on his time in the sport, saying, “I feel proud of the journey I've built. I've had incredible experiences, and I'm grateful for every moment.”

The ceremony marked the end of an era for the talented goalkeeper, who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Patricio's words captured the emotions of the moment, as he bid farewell to the game he loves.

Rui Patricio has been a free agent since June, when he parted ways with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. His departure marked the end of a successful stint in the Middle East, and he's now focusing on his post-playing career.