Riga add Portugal-Angola winger Samuel Pedro after United FC switch

Portugal-Angola winger Samuel Pedro has joined Latvian club Riga from United FC, bringing an experienced attacking option to the Virsliga side.

Pedro, 25, plays primarily on the left wing and has moved to Riga after spending the previous part of his career in the United Arab Emirates Pro League with United FC. The transfer was completed on 18 August 2026.

The Aveiro-born attacker has made five appearances this season and scored twice. He has also started in 67% of those matches, while recording two yellow cards. Pedro is right-footed and stands 1.80m tall.

His move to United FC came in February 2024, when he left Norwegian club Jerv. Before that, he had spent a year with Jerv after joining from Slovenian side NK Olimpija in February 2023.

Pedro moved to NK Olimpija from Benfica B in July 2022 on a free transfer. He had previously been loaned by Benfica B to SC Covilha during the 2021-22 season, making that temporary move in January 2022 before returning to Benfica B at the end of the campaign.

He began his senior career at Boavista, having progressed through the club’s youth system after earlier spells with Braga and Palmeiras. Benfica acquired him from Boavista in January 2020 for €800,000, with Pedro initially joining Benfica’s under-23 side before moving into the club’s B team.

Riga’s new signing has therefore built his career across Portugal, Slovenia, Norway and the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Latvia. His latest change of club extends a path that has included both youth development and senior football in several European leagues.

Pedro’s arrival at Riga was registered on 18 August 2026, completing his move from United FC.