Guinea-Bissau-Portuguese winger Romario Balde joins Boeung Ket on free transfer

Guinea-Bissau-Portuguese winger Romario Balde has joined Cambodian Premier League club Boeung Ket on a free transfer from Itabaiana.

The 29-year-old completed the move on 31 July 2026 after leaving the Brazilian club, where he had arrived in March following a period without a club. No transfer fee was involved in the switch.

Balde operates primarily on the left wing and is right-footed. Born in Bissau on 25 December 1996, he stands 1.80m tall and brings experience from clubs in Portugal, Cyprus, Poland, China, Thailand, South Korea and Brazil.

His career began in the youth system at Estrela Amadora before he moved to Benfica in 2008. He progressed through Benfica’s under-15, under-17 and under-19 teams before joining Benfica B in 2014.

Balde subsequently spent time with Tondela, Lechia Gdansk and Coimbra. His move to Tondela came on loan from Benfica B in July 2015, while he later joined Coimbra on loan from Lechia Gdansk in August 2018. He returned to Lechia the following year before moving to Gil Vicente on a free transfer in September 2019.

During his time in Portugal’s second tier, Balde made 64 appearances in Liga Portugal 2 and scored three goals. He also recorded 31 appearances and two goals in Liga Portugal, along with four assists in the Portuguese competition data available for his career.

The winger later moved beyond Portugal, playing for Gangwon FC in South Korea, AEL Limassol and Doxa Katokopia in Cyprus, and Ratchaburi FC and Nongbua Pitchaya, listed as NT Zhiyun, in Thailand. He also spent time with WH Three Towns and APOEL Nicosia before joining Itabaiana.

Balde’s statistical record includes 48 appearances, seven goals and five assists in the Super League, while he scored one goal and supplied three assists in 17 Cyprus League appearances. He also made 15 UEFA Youth League appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.

Boeung Ket compete in Cambodia’s C. Premier League, and Balde’s arrival adds an experienced left winger to their squad. The move from Itabaiana to Boeung Ket was completed as a free transfer on 31 July 2026.