Ruben Dias: Early Life, Clubs, Family, Net Worth, Career and Stats

Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias, born on May 14, 1997, is a highly regarded Portuguese professional footballer renowned for his role as a center-back for the Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team. Recognized as one of the world’s premier defenders, Dias is distinguished for his exceptional defensive skills, leadership qualities, and proficiency in aerial duels.

Having represented Portugal at various youth levels, including under-16, under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-21, Dias transitioned to the senior international stage in 2018. He started playing regularly in Portugal’s squads for major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup, the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, UEFA Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup.

Notably, Dias played a pivotal role in Portugal’s victory in the 2019 UEFA Nations League on home soil, earning recognition in the team of the tournament and receiving the man of the match award in the final.

Early Life of Ruben Dias

Hailing from Amadora, Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias, known as “Ruby” thanks to his older brother Ivan, shares a familial connection to professional football, as Ivan is also a football player. In his formative years, Dias found inspiration in football icons such as John Terry, Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, and Vincent Kompany. 

These figures served as his role models, particularly as he aspired to follow in their footsteps and make a mark in the Premier League. Embracing his passion for the sport, Dias would engage in football games wherever he could, whether on the streets or within the confines of his home, often enjoying the game with his brother Ivan.

Clubs: The Footballing Journey

Benfica B

Rúben Dias commenced his football journey at Estrela da Amadora before joining Benfica’s youth academy in 2008. Initially a striker, he transitioned to central defense during a pivotal match. Making his professional debut for Benfica B in 2015, Dias earned recognition for his versatility.

Also Read: Manchester City: Players, History, Records, Achievements, and Future Goals

In 2016, he was called up for Benfica’s UEFA Champions League clash at 18 years old. Dias played a key role in Benfica B’s record-breaking fourth-place finish in the LigaPro. Additionally, he contributed to the junior team’s impressive run to the final of the 2016–17 UEFA Youth League.

Benfica

On September 16, 2017, Rúben Dias made his debut for Benfica’s first team in a Primeira Liga match against Boavista. Despite a promising start, highlighted by Champions League performances against Manchester United, he faced a setback with appendicitis, leading to surgery and a month-long absence.

Dias rebounded, scoring his first goal in a Taça da Liga clash with Vitória de Setúbal in December 2017. His standout performances earned him the Primeira Liga’s Best Young Player of the Year award. Despite transfer speculation, he extended his contract until 2023. Scoring in his 100th game in November 2019, Dias eventually departed Benfica after the 2020 Moreirense match, as acknowledged by manager Jorge Jesus.

Manchester City

In the 2020–21 season, Rúben Dias made a significant move to the English Premier League, joining Manchester City on a six-year contract on September 29, 2020. The reported initial fee was €68 million (£61.64 million), potentially rising to €71.6 million with performance bonuses.

The deal also involved Nicolás Otamendi moving to Benfica as part of the exchange, amounting to a net cost of €56.6 million (£51 million). Dias debuted for City on October 3, 2020, in a 1–1 draw against Leeds United.

His impressive performances earned him the Manchester City Player of the Month for November 2020. Notably, Dias scored his first goal for City in a 2–1 win over West Ham United on February 27, 2021. Regarded as a key figure in Manchester City’s Premier League title triumph, he brought composure, leadership, and stability to the defense.

Dias received accolades, winning the FWA Footballer of the Year, Manchester City’s Player of the Season, and the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2020–21 season.

The Present (2021-23)

From 2021 to 2023, Rúben Dias played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s continued success. On September 15, 2021, he assumed the captaincy, contributing an assist in a 6–3 Champions League triumph against RB Leipzig. Notably, on December 1, he scored his first career goal from outside the box in a 2–1 victory over Aston Villa.

Unfortunately, in March 2022, Dias suffered a hamstring injury, his first in five years, causing a two-month absence. Despite the setback, he returned on April 20 in a 3–0 win over Brighton. However, on May 7, another hamstring injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Throughout the 2022–23 season, Dias played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success, starting nearly every minute. His contributions were instrumental as City secured their inaugural Champions League trophy, completing a continental treble with a 1–0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Ruben Dias’s jersey number is 3.

Ruben Dias and His Family

Dias’s father is named Joao, and he expresses immense satisfaction with the strides the defense, led by his son, has taken. Joao, the proud father, admits his surprise as he never anticipated his child would excel in the realm of football.

There is currently no publicly known information about Ruben Dias’s mother. It remains to be seen whether the footballer will eventually share details about his mother.

In terms of family, Dias’s older brother Ivan is also a professional football player, serving as a center-back for the Portuguese third-tier club Clube Oriental Lisbon. Beyond his brother, Dias is part of a family that includes two sisters, named Beatriz and Carolina.

At 25 years old, Ruben Dias concluded his three-year relationship with his ex-girlfriend Love Islander Arabella Chi. Now, model and activist Ginevra Festa shared photos featuring an assortment of red and white flowers from a mysterious romantic admirer, subtly hinting at Dias becoming her boyfriend.

Net Worth of Ruben Dias

The renowned Portuguese footballer, Rúben Dias, boasts an estimated net worth of $80 million as of 2023, as reported by various sources like Wikipedia, Forbes, and Bloomberg. This substantial net worth encompasses his earnings from both salaries and endorsements throughout his professional career.

Dias, recognized as one of the highest-paid footballers in the current landscape, reportedly earned a base salary of $13 million annually under his latest contract with Manchester City.

Beyond his football income, Dias has lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike and Beats by Dre. Noteworthy possessions in his portfolio include high-end vehicles like a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, each valued at approximately $400,000.

Additionally, Dias is a property owner with multiple assets worth several million dollars in Portugal. Diversifying his financial portfolio, he has made substantial investments in stocks and other financial instruments, ensuring a steady income stream independent of his active playing career.

Ruben Dias Injury

Following an injury incurred during the FA Cup fifth-round victory against Peterborough United last month, Ruben Dias was sidelined due to a muscular ailment. Pep Guardiola announced that the defender would be out for a duration estimated to be between four to six weeks.

Career and Stats:

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Rúben Dias has earned a plethora of honors throughout his football career. At Benfica, he contributed to winning the Primeira Liga in the 2018–19 season and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2019. Since joining Manchester City, Dias has been a key figure in their success, securing consecutive Premier League titles in the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23 seasons, along with the EFL Cup in 2020–21 and the FA Cup in 2022–23. 

His achievements also extend to the UEFA Champions League, winning it in the 2022–23 season and being a runner-up in 2020–21. On the international stage, Dias contributed to Portugal’s victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2018–19. Individually, he has received numerous accolades, including the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2020–21, recognition in the PFA Team of the Year, and being named UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season in 2020–21.

Rúben Dias has enjoyed a remarkable football career, achieving immense success with some of the world’s top teams and earning recognition as one of the greatest players in the sport. With an estimated net worth of around $80 million, he stands as one of the wealthiest active footballers. Known for his consistent performance and leadership qualities, Dias has garnered numerous accolades at both the club and national levels.

His enduring influence in modern football is undeniable, serving as an inspiration for aspiring players to persevere through challenges and pursue their dreams. Despite his on-field success, Dias remains an iconic figure among fans worldwide, embodying the dedication and hard work that lead to triumph.

Dias is a robust and assertive defender known for his prowess in aerial duels. Additionally, he showcases adept ball-playing skills, initiating attacks from the defensive position. His capabilities have led to comparisons with legendary Portuguese defenders like Paolo Maldini and Fernando Couto.

Thus, the Portugues star is currently the heart of defense for Manchester City.