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Richard Ríos

Richard Ríos Montoya is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Benfica and the Colombia national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Richard Ríos Montoya is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Benfica and the Colombia national team. He began his senior career in Brazil, established himself at Palmeiras, and transferred to Benfica in 2025.

Early life and background

Richard Ríos Montoya was born on 2 June 2000 in Vegachí, Antioquia, Colombia. He began his professional career in Brazil, where he developed through the early stages of his senior career.

Club career

Ríos began his professional career in Brazil, with stints at Flamengo and Guarani before moving to Palmeiras in 2023. He transferred to Benfica in 2025 and played as a central midfielder in Portugal's Primeira Liga. With Palmeiras, he won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2023 and the Campeonato Paulista in 2024. He won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira with Benfica in his debut season.

International career

Ríos debuted for the Colombia national team in 2022. He was included in Colombia's squad for the 2024 Copa América, where the team finished as runners-up.

Style of play

Sources describe Ríos as a versatile midfielder with strong ball-winning ability. He has been used in central and defensive midfield roles.

Key facts

  • Ríos is a Colombian midfielder known for versatility and ball-winning ability.
  • He played in Brazil for Flamengo, Guarani, and Palmeiras before joining Benfica in 2025.
  • With Palmeiras, he won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2023 and the Campeonato Paulista in 2024.
  • He won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira with Benfica in his debut season.
  • He made his senior international debut for Colombia in 2022 and was part of the squad that finished runners-up at the 2024 Copa América.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Richard Ríos?
Richard Ríos Montoya is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Benfica and the Colombia national team.
What position does Richard Ríos play?
He primarily plays as a midfielder, including central and defensive midfield roles.
Which clubs has Richard Ríos played for?
His senior club career has included Flamengo, Guarani, Palmeiras, and Benfica.
What major titles has Richard Ríos won?
He won the Brazilian league with Palmeiras in 2023, the São Paulo state championship in 2024, and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira with Benfica in 2025.
When did Richard Ríos debut for Colombia?
He made his senior debut for Colombia in 2022.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_R%C3%ADos
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, position, club history, honours, and Colombia international career
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/301520/richard-rios
    Supports: Current club, shirt number, position, nationality, and birth date
  3. Red Bull — https://www.redbull.com/us-en/athlete/richard-rios
    Supports: Date of birth, nationality, career start, Benfica move, and Colombia national team context
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/richard-rios/profil/spieler/735573
    Supports: Position, place of birth, club history, contract information, and right-footed profile