Gonçalo Ramos is one of the most exciting young strikers in European football. His movement, finishing, and physicality make him a dangerous goal scorer. At just 22 years old, he has already made a name for himself at both club and international levels. His rise has been fast, and the best is yet to come.
Let’s explore his journey, strengths, and what makes him a special player.
Early Life and Benfica Academy
Gonçalo Matias Ramos was born on June 20, 2001, in Olhão, Portugal. From a young age, he showed a natural ability to score goals. His finishing and movement stood out, even when playing against older kids.
At 12 years old, he joined Benfica’s academy, one of the best in Portugal. The club is famous for developing stars like João Félix, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias. Ramos quickly adapted and climbed through the youth ranks. His goal-scoring instinct was clear, and Benfica coaches saw his potential.
By the time he reached the Benfica B team, he was already considered a future star. It didn’t take long for him to make the jump to the first team.
Breakthrough at Benfica
Ramos made his senior debut for Benfica in 2020. At first, he played as a backup striker, learning from experienced players. However, he didn’t need much time to prove himself.
During the 2022-23 season, he became Benfica’s main striker. That season, he scored 27 goals in all competitions. His performances helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga title. He also shined in the Champions League, scoring important goals.
One of his biggest moments came in December 2022, at the World Cup in Qatar. He replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Switzerland. In that match, he scored a hat-trick, becoming the youngest player to do so since 1962. That performance put him in the spotlight and increased interest from top European clubs.
Move to Paris Saint-Germain
After his breakout season at Benfica, big clubs came calling. In the summer of 2023, Paris Saint-Germain signed Gonçalo Ramos on loan, with an obligation to buy for €65 million. The move gave him the chance to play alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
At PSG, the competition was tough. He had to fight for minutes with players like Randal Kolo Muani and Marco Asensio. However, his work ethic and goal-scoring ability earned him a spot in the starting lineup.
He adjusted quickly to Ligue 1. His movement inside the box, strength, and finishing made him a key part of PSG’s attack. By the 2024-25 season, he had fully established himself as one of the team’s top goal-scorers.
Playing Style and Strengths
Clinical Finishing
Ramos is a natural goal scorer. He rarely wastes chances and is deadly inside the box. Whether with his right foot, left foot, or head, he knows how to find the net. His ability to finish in tight spaces makes him a constant threat.
Intelligent Movement
One of Ramos’ biggest strengths is his positioning. He reads the game well and always finds space in the penalty area. His movement makes it easier for teammates to find him with crosses or through balls.
Aerial Ability
Despite being 1.85m (6’1”) tall, he is not just a target man. He is excellent in the air and scores many goals from headers. His timing and leaping ability give him an advantage over defenders.
Hold-Up Play
Ramos is strong and uses his body well to shield the ball. He can hold up play and bring teammates into the attack. This makes him effective in both fast counter-attacks and slow build-up play.
Work Rate and Pressing
Unlike many traditional strikers, Ramos works hard defensively. He presses defenders and forces mistakes. His high energy and determination make him valuable in a high-pressing system.
Impact at PSG
By 2025, Ramos had become a key player for PSG. His ability to score in big games made him one of the most reliable strikers in Europe. Fans appreciated his work ethic, aggression, and hunger for goals.
He also formed strong connections with teammates. Playing alongside creative players allowed him to focus on finishing. He became a 20+ goal-a-season striker, helping PSG dominate domestically and compete in the Champions League.
Ramos’ success at PSG also strengthened his status in the Portuguese national team. He became the first-choice striker, leading Portugal’s attack in major tournaments.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
First Touch Under Pressure
Ramos has great control, but sometimes struggles under tight defensive pressure. Improving his first touch in these situations will make him even more dangerous.
Link-Up Play
While he holds the ball well, he can improve his passing and link-up play. Learning to combine better with midfielders will make him a more complete striker.
Consistency in Big Games
Ramos has delivered in major matches, but he needs to do it more consistently. The best strikers perform under pressure every week. Maintaining that level is the next step in his growth.
Gonçalo Ramos for Portugal
Ramos is expected to be a key player for Portugal in the coming years.
He leads the attack with confidence and works well in Portugal’s fast-paced system. Playing alongside stars like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Neves, he gets plenty of scoring opportunities.
If he continues to improve, he could become Portugal’s long-term No. 9. The national team has been searching for a reliable striker, and Ramos fits the role perfectly.
What’s Next for Gonçalo Ramos?
Ramos is still young, but he is already an elite striker. If he keeps improving, he could become one of the best in the world.
His goal is clear: win trophies. At PSG, he wants to dominate Ligue 1 and push for Champions League success. With Portugal, he aims to win major international tournaments.
If he stays focused and keeps working hard, the future is incredibly bright. He has the talent, mentality, and hunger to achieve greatness.
Conclusion
Gonçalo Ramos is a goal-scoring machine. His rise from Benfica’s academy to starring for PSG and Portugal has been impressive. He combines finishing, intelligence, and physicality to dominate defenders.
His potential is limitless. If he refines his weaknesses, he could lead the next generation of Portuguese football. The world will be watching as he continues to develop.
Gonçalo Ramos is here to stay, and he’s just getting started.
Player Match Ratings: the Metrics Behind Soccer Performance
Keep the conversation going! Follow Soccer Wizdom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more soccer insights and updates.