João Ricardo returned to the second level in 2001 with Moreirense FC, playing in all the matches in his first year as the Moreira de Cónegos side, led by Manuel Machado, promoted to the top flight for the first time ever.
After more than one year without a club, 37-year-old João Ricardo returned to his nation of birth and signed for Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, being included in the squad that competed in the 2007 edition of the CAF Champions League.
João Ricardo was also selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, being a free agent with no competitive football played in one year at the time.
He started in all three group stage matches for Angola in their first FIFA World Cup presence, conceding only twice[1][2] and performing most notably in the 0–0 draw against Mexico.
[3] After the tournament, João Ricardo was offered a contract by Iran's Zob Ahan Isfahan FC (the Iranian national team also faced Angola in the World Cup), but the deal eventually fell through due to undisclosed circumstances.