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Mario RuiPortuguese footballer, defender.
Country:
 Portugal |
Content:
- Early Career and Benfica Years
- Loan Spells in Italy
- Rise to Serie A with Empoli
- Transfer to Roma and Naples
- National Team Career
- Achievements
Early Career and Benfica Years
Born in Portugal, the young footballer began his career with Benfica. However, he never made an appearance for the senior team. During the 2010/2011 season, he was loaned to Fátima, where he played 25 matches and scored one goal in the Portuguese Second Division.
Loan Spells in Italy
In 2011, the defender joined Parma in Italy but failed to secure any playing time. He was subsequently loaned to Gubbio in Serie B, where he played 31 matches and scored twice. The following season, he was loaned to Spezia, making 23 Serie B appearances.
Rise to Serie A with Empoli
In 2013, he was again sent on loan to Empoli, where he played 26 matches in Serie B. Empoli finished second in the league and earned promotion to Serie A. Impressed by his performances, Empoli signed him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2014. He made 34 appearances in Serie A during the 2014/2015 season and 36 matches the following year.
Transfer to Roma and Naples
In 2016, he joined Roma on loan with an option to buy. He played only five Serie A matches during his loan spell. However, Roma exercised their option and signed him permanently in 2017 for 6 million euros. Just months later, he moved to Napoli on a loan deal with another potential buy-back clause.
National Team Career
The player represented Portugal at the Under-19 European Championship in 2010, playing three matches. He also played for Portugal's Under-20 team at the 2011 World Cup, making five appearances and scoring once. The Portuguese team finished as runners-up in the tournament.
Achievements
Club- Serie B Second Place (Promotion to Serie A): Empoli (2013/2014)
- Serie A Silver Medal: Roma (2016/2017)
International
- Under-20 World Cup Silver Medal: Portugal (2011)
