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Gonçalo Oliveira, a promising Eagle set to bolster the Red and Black defence

Following Adrien Thomasson and Issa Soumaré, the Rouge et Noir have welcomed a third new signing. Defender Gonçalo Oliveira has joined the Brittany-based club from Benfica. A promising talent from Lisbon’s football scene, the U17, U18, U19 and U21 international has signed a contract with the club based in the Breton capital until 2031.

Published on 18 June 2026

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Adrien Thomasson in midfield, Issa Soumaré up front. SRFC continues its transfer activity with a further strengthened squad. Defender Gonçalo Oliveira arrives from Benfica, where he has built a reputation as a particularly promising prospect, combining skill on the ball with strength in one-on-one situations.

Trained at Benfica’s renowned academy in Lisbon, the city of his birth, the 1-metre 84 left-footed player has progressed through the ranks with flying colours, right up to the first team. A regular for the Portuguese youth teams, the left-footed player is coming off the back of a particularly successful season, both with the Eagles’ reserve side (24 matches, 2 goals) and in the Youth League.

Dominant in the Youth League

In this prestigious competition, the defender notably emerged as an indispensable leader, captaining the side in all nine of his appearances, with eight wins to his name. His team were eventually knocked out in the semi-finals by Bruges, having previously dominated Newcastle (5–1), Leverkusen (5–0), Ajax (4–0), Napoli (3–0) and Inter (3–2).

Brittany presents a new challenge, a place where Gonçalo Oliveira has the chance to live up to all the hopes placed in him. The player, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on 4 July, becomes the sixth Portuguese player to join the Red and Blacks in the 21st century, following in the footsteps of Nélson Oliveira, Pedro Mendes, Afonso Figueiredo, Xeka and Jota. Good luck, Gonçalo!

En Rouge toujours, bienvenue Gonçalo 🔴⚫️ #Oliveira 2031

Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman – Chief Executive: “Gonçalo’s signing is fully in line with our commitment to recruiting promising players who can develop within the Rouge et Noir, supported by our experienced players. Gonçalo is a player we identified some time ago; he is talented and very robust, even though he is not yet 20. He is also a leader and has had the opportunity to demonstrate this as captain in the Youth League. His next challenge will be to adapt to French football and Ligue 1, and we will do everything we can to ensure he succeeds.”

Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director: “We’re always on the lookout for promising young players and, of course, we’re open to the international transfer market. Gonçalo is a talented centre-back, a natural left-footer whom we’ve been tracking all season with Benfica and for his national team. His signing is excellent news. He is a very powerful player with excellent timing in the air and strong leadership qualities. This is evident in his attitude, the confidence he exudes and his character – he has, in fact, often captained his side – and he will enable us to broaden our options in defence.”

Gonçalo Oliveira: “I’m delighted to be joining Stade Rennais F.C.; it’s a great French club with a rich history. It’s a major new challenge, following many years with Benfica, the club where I came through the ranks. I can’t wait to experience Roazhon Park, its fans and to play in Ligue 1"