David Ricardo (footballer)

David Ricardo Loiola da Silva (born 21 December 2002), known as David Ricardo, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Botafogo. Mainly a centre-back, he can also play as a left-back.

Career

Fluminense-PI

Born in Teresina, Piauí, David Ricardo played for local schools in his hometown before joining the youth sides of Altos. He later moved to Fluminense-PI, and made his first team debut during the 2021 Campeonato Piauiense.

Ceará

In March 2022, David Ricardo moved to Ceará on loan, being initially assigned to the under-20 squad. He made his first team debut for Vozão on 11 May, coming on as a second-half substitute for Gabriel Lacerda in a 2–0 home win over Tombense, for the year's Copa do Brasil.

David Ricardo made his Série A debut on 5 October 2022, replacing Lucas Ribeiro in a 1–1 home draw against Goiás. On 30 December, Fluminense confirmed his permanent transfer to Ceará, after the club paid R$ 400,000 for 50% of his economic rights.

David Ricardo began the 2023 season as a starter, and scored his first goal for the club on 31 January of that year, netting the opener in a 1–1 Campeonato Cearense away draw against Ferroviário. On 9 April 2024, after becoming an undisputed first-choice, the club bought a further 40% of his economic rights.