Mario Rui Joins Belenenses in Surprise Move to Portugal’s Third Tier
Mario Rui has officially joined Belenenses, bringing his return to Portuguese football after 15 years abroad into focus. The 35-year-old left-back will now compete in Liga 3, Portugal’s third tier, following a career that included spells at Napoli, Roma and Empoli.
Belenenses announced the signing on October 21, welcoming the experienced defender to the Restelo and highlighting his achievements with both club and country.
“An Italian champion and UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal, Mário Rui is a new Belenenses player,” the club stated in its announcement.
Rui spent eight seasons at Napoli, where he won the Serie A title in 2022/23 and the Coppa Italia in 2019/20. He also represented Roma, Empoli, Spezia and Gubbio during his time in Italy.
After leaving Napoli, the Portuguese defender moved to the United Arab Emirates to play for Forte Virtus. With that spell now behind him, he returns to his home country for a new chapter in his career.
At international level, Rui earned 12 senior caps for Portugal and was part of the squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019.
His arrival gives Belenenses a player with extensive experience at the highest level of European football as the club looks to push for promotion to Portugal’s second division.
