Rúben Dias facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rúben Dias

Dias with Portugal in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias
Date of birth	(1997-05-14) 14 May 1997 (age 28)
Place of birth	Amadora, Portugal
Height	1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Team information
Current team	Manchester City
Number	3
Youth career
2006–2008	Estrela da Amadora
2008–2015	Benfica
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2015–2017	Benfica B	55	(0)
2017–2020	Benfica	91	(9)
2020–	Manchester City	144	(3)
International career‡
2013	Portugal U16	5	(1)
2013–2014	Portugal U17	18	(0)
2014–2016	Portugal U19	21	(2)
2016–2017	Portugal U20	15	(0)
2017	Portugal U21	4	(0)
2018–	Portugal	68	(3)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Portugal UEFA Nations League Winner 2019 Portugal Winner 2025 Germany
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:18, 25 May 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 06:31, 9 June 2025 (UTC)

Rúben Dias (born on 14 May 1997) is a professional footballer from Portugal. He plays as a centre-back for the English club Manchester City. Rúben also plays for the Portugal national team.

He is known for his strong playing style and leadership on the field. Many people consider him one of the best defenders in the world.

Dias started his career in the youth academy of Benfica. He joined Benfica B in 2015. In 2017, he moved up to the main team. He was named the best young player in the Primeira Liga for the 2017–18 season.

The next season, Dias helped Benfica win the league title. He also won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2019. He played over 100 games for Benfica.

In September 2020, he joined Manchester City in the Premier League. In his first season, he helped City win the league title and the EFL Cup. They also reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Dias won several awards in 2021. These included FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. In the 2022–23 season, he was key to City winning their first-ever continental treble. This means they won three major trophies in one season.

Rúben Dias also played for Portugal's youth teams. He joined the senior national team in 2018. He has played in two FIFA World Cups (2018 and 2022). He also played in two UEFA European Championships (2020 and 2024). He helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias was born on 14 May 1997 in Amadora, Portugal. He has an older brother named Ivan, who is also a professional footballer. Ivan gave Rúben the nickname "Ruby."

Growing up, Rúben looked up to famous defenders like John Terry and Vincent Kompany. He always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. He played football everywhere, even in the streets and at home with his brother.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Benfica

Dias began his football journey at a local club called Estrela da Amadora. A family member helped him join the club. He first played as a striker but later became a defender during a match.

In 2008, he moved to Benfica's youth academy. He played as a midfielder before becoming a centre-back for the junior team. On 30 September 2015, he made his professional debut for Benfica B. He was just 18 years old.

In 2016, he was called up to Benfica's main team for a UEFA Champions League match. The next season, he helped the B team finish fourth, their best-ever position. He also helped the junior team reach the final of the 2016–17 UEFA Youth League.

Dias playing for Benfica in 2019

On 16 September 2017, Dias played his first game for Benfica's senior team. This was in a Primeira Liga match. After playing well for two months, he had surgery for appendicitis. He scored his first goal for Benfica in December 2017. He scored his first league goal in February 2018. At the end of that season, he was named the Primeira Liga's best young player.

Dias signed a new contract with Benfica until 2023. On 2 November 2019, he played his 100th game for the club. He scored the first goal in a 2–0 win. On 26 September 2020, he scored again in a 2–0 win. After that game, his manager said it was likely his last for Benfica.

Joining Manchester City

On 29 September 2020, Dias joined Manchester City in the English Premier League. He signed a six-year contract. The transfer fee was about €68 million. Nicolás Otamendi also moved to Benfica as part of the deal.

On 3 October 2020, Dias played his first league game for City. It was a 1–1 draw against Leeds United. He quickly became a key player for City's defense. He was named Manchester City Player of the Month for November 2020.

On 27 February 2021, Dias scored his first goal for City. It was in a 2–1 home win against West Ham United. He was praised for bringing calm and leadership to the team's defense. This helped Manchester City win the Premier League title that season.

Dias won the FWA Footballer of the Year award for the 2020–21 season. He was the first defender to win it since 1989. He was also named Manchester City's Player of the Season and the Premier League Player of the Season.

Winning the Treble

Dias with Manchester City in 2023

On 15 September 2021, Dias was captain for Manchester City for the first time. He also made an assist in a 6–3 Champions League win. On 1 December, he scored his first goal from outside the box. This was in a 2–1 win against Aston Villa.

In March 2022, Dias had a hamstring injury. This was his first injury in five years. He missed two months of the season. He returned to play in April. In May, he had another hamstring injury, which ended his season.

During the 2022–23 season, Dias played almost every minute for Manchester City. He was a huge part of their success. City won their first-ever Champions League trophy. They also completed a continental treble. This happened after a 1–0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

International Career

Youth and Senior Debut

Dias played for Portugal's youth teams. He was captain for the under-19 squad in 2016. The next year, he was captain for the under-20 team at the 2017 U-20 World Cup.

On 15 March 2018, Dias was called up to the senior side. He made his international debut on 28 May 2018, in a friendly match. He was part of Portugal's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, he did not play in any matches during that tournament.

Nations League Success

After the World Cup, Dias became a regular player in Portugal's defense. He played in all of Portugal's 2018–19 UEFA Nations League matches. He helped Portugal reach the final on home soil. On 9 June 2019, Portugal beat the Netherlands 1–0 in the final. Dias was named man of the match. He was also chosen for the "Team of the Tournament."

On 17 November 2020, Dias scored his first two international goals. This was in a 3–2 win against Croatia. He was part of Portugal's squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He played in all of Portugal's matches. They were knocked out in the round of 16 by Belgium.

Recent Tournaments

In October 2022, Dias was named in Portugal's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played almost every minute of their games. Portugal was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco.

On 11 September 2023, Dias played his 50th game for Portugal. This was in a 9–0 win against Luxembourg. This was Portugal's biggest win ever.

On 21 May 2024, Dias was selected for Portugal's squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. He played in the first two matches. Portugal reached the quarter-finals but lost to France in a penalty shootout.

On 20 May 2025, Dias was chosen for Portugal's 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals squad. His team went on to win the tournament. They beat rivals Spain 5–3 in a penalty shootout.

Player Profile

Playing Style

Rúben Dias is a strong centre-back who uses his right foot. He often plays on the left side of the central defense. He is comfortable passing the ball with both feet. He can pass in many directions, helping his team keep possession.

Dias is very calm when he has the ball. He rarely feels pressured by opposing forwards. He is excellent at passing, especially long passes. This helps his team control the game from the back.

He is also very good in the air, winning most of his aerial duels. He uses his size to win tackles and get the ball back. He has good timing, which helps him predict what other players will do. He can also make important "last-ditch" challenges.

What Others Say

His Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said that Dias "leads the defensive line." Guardiola added that Dias helps his teammates make good decisions. He also said Dias is "always focused" and makes his defensive partner better.

José Mourinho, a famous coach, called Dias the "best centre-back in the world." He said Dias was gaining "another level of experience" in the Premier League.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said Dias "makes the whole team feel safe." Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, compared Dias to legendary Barcelona defender Carles Puyol. He also praised Dias's "leadership skills."

Personal Life

Rúben Dias was in a relationship with Portuguese singer-songwriter April Ivy from 2018 to 2021. In March 2025, it was mentioned that Dias was dating British television presenter, Maya Jama.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Portugal score listed first, score column indicates score after each Dias goal

List of international goals scored by Rúben Dias

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	17 November 2020	Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia	24	Croatia	1–1	3–2	2020–21 UEFA Nations League A
2					3–2
3	4 June 2024	Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal	55	Finland	1–0	4–2	Friendly

Honours and Awards

Benfica

• Primeira Liga: 2018–19
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2019

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
• FA Cup: 2022–23; runner-up: 2023–24, 2024–25
• EFL Cup: 2020–21
• FA Community Shield: 2024
• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23; runner-up: 2020–21
• UEFA Super Cup: 2023
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023

Portugal

• UEFA Nations League: 2018–19, 2024–25

Individual Awards

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
• Cosme Damião Awards – Revelation of the Year: 2017
• Primeira Liga Best Young Player of the Year: 2017–18
• UEFA Nations League Finals Team of the Tournament: 2019
• Primeira Liga Defender of the Month: March 2018, October/November 2019
• Primeira Liga Team of the Year: 2019–20
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 2020–21
• PFA Team of the Year: 2020–21 Premier League, 2022–23 Premier League
• Manchester City Player of the Year: 2020–21
• UEFA Champions League Squad/Team of the Season: 2020–21, 2022–23
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2020–21
• ESM Team of the Year: 2020–21
• UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season: 2020–21
• FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2021, 2023
• The Best FIFA Men's 11: 2024
• IFFHS Men's World Team: 2021, 2023, 2024
• IFFHS Men's World Youth (U20) Team: 2020

See also

In Spanish: Rúben Dias para niños