Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in European football — Born on June 2, 2000, in Vegachí, Colombia, Ríos began his journey on futsal courts before rising through the ranks in Brazil and Portugal. His journey from modest beginnings to a EUR100 million release clause at Benfica is now capturing the attention of top European clubs.

From Futsal Courts to Benfica

Ríos began his footballing career with the Colombian futsal side Alianza Platanera between 2017 and 2018, as Without access to elite academies, he relied on futsal to develop his ball control, vision, and agility. His talent earned him a break with Flamengo during the 2020-2021 Serie A season amid a squad outbreak, but his early loan experiences and a long knee injury recovery slowed his progress. A breakthrough came at Guarani before he joined Palmeiras, where he became a Brazilian champion and a standout dribbling midfielder.

In July 2025, Ríos signed with Benfica in a deal worth around EUR30 million; By August 2026, he had made 45 appearances and scored eight goals for the Portuguese giants. His contract runs through 2030, and his performances have drawn interest from clubs like Roma and Manchester United.

Interest from Roma and Transfer Rumors

Roma has reportedly reinitiated contact with Ríos’s representatives, having previously shown interest in the player, as According to Portuguese portal cnnportugal.iol.pt, the Italian club sees Ríos as a potential key addition to their midfield due to his physical and technical abilities. However, Benfica has reportedly set a price tag above EUR30 million, making the transfer complex for Roma, which is now evaluating its financial options in the final weeks of the transfer window.

In a similar vein, Spanish outlet bolavip.com reported that Ríos is no longer a priority for Benfica under manager Marco Silva, who reportedly informed the player he was not in the team’s plans for the current season. This has led to speculation about a potential move, with Ríos also attracting attention from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Current Form and Market Value

At 26 years old, Ríos plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica and is right-footed; In the 2026/2027 Liga Portugal season, he has recorded an average FotMob rating of 6.53, with 37 minutes played and no goals or assists. His current market value is estimated at EUR25 million, according to bolavip.com.

Despite his reduced playing time under Marco Silva, Ríos remains a key player for the Colombia national team, having earned 35 caps and helping the team reach the 2024 Copa America final. Known for his ability to recover the ball and control possession in tight spaces, Ríos has established himself as a flexible and dynamic midfielder.