He made his senior debut with amateurs Grupo Desportivo Fradelos before returning in 2003, going on to compete four seasons in the Segunda Liga, the last two as first choice.
[6] During his first years, he served as backup to Pedro Roma and Frenchman Romuald Peiser respectively, but, on 19 May 2012, started in the final of the Taça de Portugal against Sporting CP, helping to a 1–0 win for the Students' first in the competition in 73 years.
[8] He played 37 matches in all competitions, retaining his post under new boss Sérgio Conceição.
[9] In late May 2014, free agent Ricardo signed a three-year contract with FC Porto in the same league.
[11] Ricardo joined Chaves on a permanent three-year deal on 18 May 2017, after becoming a free agent.