Ricardo Quaresma

Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma (born 26 September 1983) is known for his flair, the outside-of-the-foot 'trivela' shot and long club career across Portugal, Spain, Italy and Turkey, plus service with Portugal.

Overview

Ricardo Quaresma (born 26 September 1983) is a Portuguese professional footballer who has played as a winger for clubs in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Turkey and for the Portugal national team. He is widely recognised for his technical flair, unpredictable dribbling and the distinctive outside-of-the-foot curved pass and shot often called the trivela.

Playing style and characteristics

Quaresma is primarily deployed on the wing and is valued for quick feet, close ball control and creative crossing. His signature technique is striking the ball with the outside of the right foot to bend passes or shots around defenders. He combines this with flair moves and a willingness to attempt risky, eye-catching plays, which has made him a popular figure with supporters and a sometimes controversial figure for managers seeking consistency.

Club career (summary)

He began his career in Portugal's youth systems and made his breakthrough at Sporting Lisbon before moving abroad. Quaresma has had spells at major clubs including Barcelona and Inter Milan, and enjoyed significant periods with FC Porto and Turkish side Beşiktaş. Across these stops he has alternated moments of high impact with phases of limited playing time, illustrating a career of notable highs and intermittent inconsistency.

International career

Quaresma earned numerous call-ups for the Portugal national team and represented his country at several major tournaments, including editions of the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. He was a member of Portugal's squad during successful campaigns and contributed with occasional goals and assists, often used as an attacking option off the bench or as a starting wide player.

Legacy and notable facts

Trivela: Quaresma is often cited as one of the modern exponents of the outside-foot curl technique.
Flair player: Known for stylish play, inventive passing and spectacular shots.
Club success: He won domestic honours with clubs in Portugal and Turkey and remained a high-profile figure through multiple returns to familiar teams.