Guga (footballer, born 1997)


Gonçalo Rosa Gonçalves Pereira Rodrigues, known as Guga, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Najma.

Club career

Benfica

Born in Faro, Algarve, Guga started his career at local club Lusitano in 2005, before joining Benfica's youth system at the age of 11. He made his professional debut with the latter's reserves on 13 August 2016, as a late substitute in a 2–0 away loss against Varzim in the LigaPro.
On 9 January 2019, Guga joined Panetolikos of the Super League Greece on a six-month loan deal with the option for an additional year.

Famalicão

On 26 June 2019, Guga signed a five-year contract with Famalicão. His Primeira Liga bow took place on 10 August, when he started and finished the 2–0 away win over Santa Clara. He scored his first goal on 14 September, the second of a 4–2 home victory against Paços de Ferreira.

Rio Ave

Guga joined Rio Ave on 14 January 2021, on a deal until June 2024. He played 20 matches until the end of the season, in an eventual relegation from the top division.
The following campaign, Guga made 40 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions as the Vila do Conde side returned to the top flight as champions; his strike in the 3–0 defeat of local rivals Varzim on 22 August 2021 was chosen as the club's Goal of the Season. On 5 July 2022, he was named Player of the Season for his efforts.
Guga displayed a series of impressive performances during 2022–23, helping Rio Ave finish comfortably in 12th place. At the end of the campaign, with just one year left on his contract, he was linked to Portuguese giants Porto.

Beijing Guoan

On 1 February 2024, having totalled 115 games during his spell at the Estádio dos Arcos, Guga transferred to Beijing Guoan from the Chinese Super League. He spent two seasons at the Workers' Stadium, making 65 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists while also claiming the FA Cup in 2025.

Al-Najma

On 29 January 2026, Guga agreed to a contract at Al-Najma, bottom of the Saudi Pro League; there, he was managed by his compatriot Mário Silva.

International career

Guga won 52 caps for Portugal across several youth levels.

Honours

Rio Ave
Beijing Guoan
Individual
  • Liga Portugal 2 Player of the Season: 2021–22
  • Liga Portugal 2 Team of the Season: 2021–22
  • Liga Portugal 2 Player of the Month: August 2021
  • Liga Portugal 2 Midfielder of the Month: August 2021, April 2022
  • Rio Ave Player of the Season: 2021–22
  • Rio Ave Goal of the Season: 2021–22