Ricardo Cardoso: Sao Tome and Principe winger joins Rasisalai United on free transfer

Sao Tome and Principe winger Ricardo Cardoso has joined Thai League side Rasisalai United on a free transfer from Italian club Affrico. The 24-year-old right-sided attacker has agreed a deal running until 30 June 2027 after moving at the end of his spell in Italy.

Cardoso, who also holds Portuguese nationality, arrives in Thailand with a growing reputation for end product from wide areas. Primarily a right winger and right-footed, he has produced 20 goals in 39 appearances in Finland’s Ykkonen, adding further strikes in domestic cup competitions and lower divisions during his time in northern Europe.

Before his switch to Affrico in January 2026, Cardoso had spells with Terranuova and Kokkolan PV, continuing a senior career that has taken him through Sweden, Finland and Italy following his departure from Portuguese youth football. His market value has most recently been assessed at €50,000.

The 1.75m wide player began his development in Portugal with Sporting and Belenenses age-group sides before a move to Benfica’s youth ranks, later returning to Belenenses and then stepping into senior football abroad. That path included a move to Kajaanin Haka and then HJK Klubi 04, where he first appeared regularly in Finnish league and cup competitions.

Cardoso joins Rasisalai United as a permanent signing and is contracted to the Thai League club until the summer of 2027.