Fabio Cardoso

Fabio Rafael Rodrigues Cardoso (born 19 April 1994) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a centre back for FC Porto.

Formed at Benfica, where he played only in the reserves, he made over 125 Primeira Liga appearances for Pacos de Ferreira, Vitoria Setubal and Santa Clara. Abroad, he had a brief spell in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers.

Club Career

Benfica B

Born in Agueda, Aveiro District, Cardoso played as a youth for hometown club R.D. Agueda before joining S.L. Benfica in 2008. On 11 August 2012, he made his debut with Benfica B in a 2012–13 Segunda Liga match against Braga B where he played 84 minutes as a centre back, partnering with Lionel Carole. On 19 December, he had his only call-up to the first team under manager Jorge Jesus, as one of five new faces for a Taca da Liga group game at Olhanense; he was an unused substitute in the 2–1 win.

He scored the only goal in a victory at Sporting B (0–1) on 5 January 2015. Six days later, he scored twice in a 3–2 win against Porto B.

On 15 January 2015, Benfica announced Cardoso's loan to fellow Primeira Liga club Pacos de Ferreira until the end of the season. The deal was subsequently repeated for the following campaign. In 42 total matches for the northern club, he scored once, the only goal of a win at Vitoria S.C. on 13 March 2016.

Vitoria de Setubal

On 7 July 2016, Cardoso signed a four-year contract with Primeira Liga side Vitoria de Setubal. He made 27 total appearances in his only season, and scored in a 2–1 win over Santa Clara on 26 October to qualify the team to the group stage of the Taca da Liga.

Rangers

In June 2017, Cardoso signed for Rangers on a three-year contract for a reported fee of around £1.3 million. He made his debut for Rangers against Progres Niederkorn in the Europa League on 29 June 2017. Cardoso was picked less frequently after the departure of compatriot manager Pedro Caixinha, and