Founded on 25 December 1951, as aFC Porto subsidiary,[1] Arouca spent the first five decades of its existence in theAveiro regional leagues. In only two years (2006–08) it managed to reach thethird division, being managed bytelevision (RTP)presenterJorge Gabriel for a few months during that timeframe.[2]
Arouca managed its fourth promotion in only seven years at the end of2012–13, reaching thePrimeira Liga for the first time in its history.[3][4] Subsequently, theArouca Municipality awarded the club the Medal of Gold Merit for its achievement,[5] with the organization also being granted extra financial means to renovate and expand its stadium.[6]
A two-year spell in the second division for Arouca ended in May 2019 when on the last day of the season, they lost toU.D. Oliveirense andVarzim S.C. defeatedAcadémica de Coimbra; this ended nine years in the professional leagues.[10] The 2019–20 season was truncated due to theCOVID-19 pandemic and Arouca andVizela were due to be promoted because of their final position; competitorsOlhanense successfully appealed at theCourt of Arbitration for Sport for these promotions to be suspended.[11]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Current season
David Simão
André Bukia
João Basso
Rafa Mújica
Oday Dabbagh
Lito Vidigal (1 July 2015 – 11 February 2017)
Gonzalo García (21 May 2024 – present)
Heracles Almelo
Olympiacos
Brann
Cercle Brugge K.S.V.
HJK Helsinki
