Claude Gonçalves


Joaquim Claude Gonçalves Araújo, known as Gonçalves, is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Ekstraklasa club Legia Warsaw.
Born in France, he represented Portugal at youth international level.

Club career

Ajaccio

Born in Propriano, Corsica of Portuguese descent, Gonçalves came through local AC Ajaccio's youth system. He made his Ligue 1 debut on 21 September 2013, coming on as a 46th-minute substitute for Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi in a 2–0 away loss against Stade Rennais FC.
Gonçalves contributed 23 games – 14 starts – in his first season, but the club returned to Ligue 2 after finishing in 20th and last position.

Tondela

On 20 June 2016, Gonçalves signed a two-year contract with C.D. Tondela of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He first appeared in the competition on 13 August, playing 34 minutes in a 0–2 home defeat to S.L. Benfica.
Gonçalves appeared in 58 competitive matches during his spell at the Estádio João Cardoso.

Troyes

On 30 August 2018, Gonçalves joined French second-tier side Troyes AC on a two-year deal. His maiden league appearance took place on 26 October, when he replaced Yoann Salmier midway through the second half of the 2–0 away victory over Grenoble Foot 38.

Gil Vicente

Gonçalves returned to the Portuguese top flight in summer 2019, agreeing to a contract at Gil Vicente FC. He scored his first goal for the club on 19 October, closing the 2–0 defeat of F.C. Penafiel in the third round of the Taça de Portugal. His first in the league came two months later, at home with Vitória de Guimarães.

Ludogorets

In May 2021, Gonçalves joined PFC Ludogorets Razgrad of the First Professional Football League, with the deal being made effective on 1 July. He won the Bulgarian Supercup on 17 July after beating PFC CSKA Sofia 4–0, and at the end of his debut campaign was also crowned national champion.
Gonçalves won a further two domestic leagues until the end of his tenure, totalling 121 appearances and nine assists.

Legia Warsaw

On 15 June 2024, Gonçalves signed a three-year contract with Polish Ekstraklasa club Legia Warsaw.

International career

Gonçalves won the second of his five caps for the Portugal under-20 team during the 2014 Toulon Tournament, featuring the full 90 minutes in the 2–0 group stage win over Mexico.

Honours

Ludogorets Razgrad
Legia Warsaw