Punjab FC Bring in Brazilian Forward Diego Raposo Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Punjab FC have added another attacking option to their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season, bringing Brazilian forward Diego Henrique Oliveira Raposo to Mohali.

The 29-year-old has agreed to a contract running until May 31, 2027, as Punjab FC continue to shape a squad capable of competing across another demanding domestic campaign. For Raposo, the move represents an entirely new chapter after spending the bulk of his professional career in European football and later gaining experience in the Middle East.

Born in Santos, Brazil, Raposo is a left-footed attacker whose career has taken him far from his homeland. Rather than making an immediate move into one of Europe's biggest leagues, he built his career gradually, beginning in Portugal before establishing himself in Bulgaria.

That journey could now lead him to Indian football.

Raposo began his senior career in Portugal with R.D. Águeda, taking his first steps in European football before moving through a number of Portuguese clubs. His time in the country included spells with FC Felgueiras, S.C. Beira-Mar and S.C.U. Torreense, experiences that helped him adapt to different tactical environments and demands.

The next major move came in 2023, when Raposo joined Bulgarian club FC Krumovgrad. Bulgaria became an important part of his career. He spent two seasons with Krumovgrad before moving to the United Arab Emirates, where he played for Al-Dhafra FC in the UAE Pro League.

His stay in the Middle East lasted one season before he returned to Bulgaria, this time joining FC Lokomotiv Sofia. Raposo made 19 league appearances for Lokomotiv Sofia during his latest spell, giving him recent experience at the Bulgarian top-flight level before making the decision to take his career in a new direction.

Now, India becomes the next destination.

Punjab FC’s latest piece of the puzzle

Raposo is the fourth foreign player Punjab FC have signed ahead of the 2026-27 season.

His arrival follows the recruitment of Alfred Planas Moya, Jephthe Patrick Gerard Bahanack and Raphaël Messi Bouli, underlining the club's intent to strengthen its squad with players who bring experience from different footballing environments. For Punjab FC, the addition of Raposo also gives the coaching staff another profile to work with in the attacking department.

As a left-footed forward, he offers an option capable of operating in attacking areas where balance and variety can make a difference over a long season. His experience across Portugal, Bulgaria and the UAE means he also arrives having already experienced football outside his native Brazil. That international exposure could be valuable as he adapts to the pace, physicality and tactical demands of Indian football.

The bigger question now is how quickly he can translate that experience into performances in Punjab colours.

For the player himself, the attraction appears to be as much about the opportunity as the destination. Raposo described Punjab FC as an ambitious club with a clear vision and said he was looking forward to experiencing Indian football for the first time. “I am very excited to begin this new chapter with Punjab FC and to experience Indian football for the first time,” he said.

His message was clear: he wants to make an immediate contribution rather than simply treat the move as another stop in his career. “I am eager to contribute with my experience, energy and goals,” Raposo added.

That final element will naturally attract the most attention. For any attacking player arriving at a new club, goals are ultimately the simplest measure of impact. Raposo will therefore be expected to settle quickly, understand his teammates and turn his movement and technical ability into tangible output.

The move gives Raposo an opportunity to establish himself in yet another footballing culture. His career so far has been defined by movement and adaptation. From Portugal to Bulgaria, then the UAE and back to Bulgaria, he has repeatedly had to adjust to new surroundings and different styles of football.

Punjab FC will hope that experience allows him to make the transition to India without a lengthy settling-in period. The club, meanwhile, continues to build towards the 2026-27 season with a blend of domestic and international options. Raposo's signing adds another attacking piece to that project and gives the squad a player arriving with recent European top-flight experience.

For the Brazilian, though, the focus is simpler. A new country, a new club and a new challenge. “I cannot wait to meet my teammates, work with the coaching staff and, most importantly, step onto the pitch and give my best for the club and its supporters,” Raposo said.

The next chapter of his career will now be written in Punjab.