Claude Goncalves

Joaquim Claude Goncalves Araujo (born 9 April 1994), known as Goncalves, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Bulgarian club PFC Ludogorets Razgrad as a defensive midfielder.

Club Career

Ajaccio

Born in Propriano, Corsica of Portuguese descent, Goncalves 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.

Goncalves 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, Goncalves 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.

Goncalves appeared in 58 competitive matches during his spell at the Estadio Joao Cardoso.

Troyes

On 30 August 2018, Goncalves 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

Goncalves 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 Taca de Portugal. His first in the league came two months later, at home with Vitoria de Guimaraes (2–2).

Ludogorets

In May 2021, Goncalves joined PFC Ludogorets Razgrad of the First Professional Football League (Bulgaria), with the deal being made effective on 1 July.