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Goncalo Ramos insight: Scouting report, stats, transfer rating and more

AC Milan have smashed their transfer record to secure arguably the most important signing of the summer: Goncalo Ramos from PSG.

By Milan’s previous standards, this was an operation that they wrapped up very quickly, at least from the outside. On Thursday afternoon there was talk of a first official offer being sent to Paris Saint-Germain for Goncalo Ramos, then by Friday evening the deal was done.

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Then, reliable sources started to break the news of just how big a deal this was. The likes of Rafael Leao, Leonardo Bonucci and Manuel Rui Costa have been left in the dust as the Rossoneri will pay a whopping €74m plus bonuses to land the Portuguese striker from the European champions.

As was always going to be the case for a signing as important as this one, the response has been a broad spectrum. What can Milan expect from their new No.9? Rohit Rajeev breaks down every aspect to his game.

Back story

Gonçalo Matias Ramos was born on 20 June 2001 in Olhão, Portugal. He played for local youth sides Olhanese and Loulé before joining Benfica’s youth academy in 2013, at the age of 12.

What is interesting is that Ramos had several trials with Sporting CP a couple of years prior, but they did not believe that he would possess the physique to become a top striker.

On 13 January 2019, he made his professional debut with Benfica B, coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Nuno Tavares (now of Lazio). He was given a taste of first-team action in July 2020 as he made his senior debut in a win over Desportivo das Aves in the Primeira Liga, netting a brace inside eight minutes.

In 2019-20, Ramos starred in the UEFA Youth League in the run to the final which they lost to Real Madrid. He scored a brace in that 3-2 defeat and finished as joint-top scorer in the tournament with eight goals. A five-year extension followed.

After a good 2020-21 season with Benfica B – scoring 11 in 12 games – he was given another first team shot under head coach Jorge Jesus. However, the return of Darwin Núñez from injury meant he struggled for minutes so began to explore a move away.

Interim manager Nélson Veríssimo took over in January 2022, who had previously coached him at the B team. Thus, Ramos got more chances and scored seven goals (adding two assists), playing across the front line.

On 13 April, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3-3 away draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals tie. In doing so, he became the second youngest player (aged 20 years and 297 days) to score for the club in the knockout rounds.

Then we come to 2022-23: the breakout. Ramos bagged his first career hat-trick on 2 August in a 4-1 home win over Midtjylland in the first leg of the 2022–23 Champions League third qualifying round.

He and David Neres struck up a partnership, and after scoring five goals in five matches, he was named the league’s Player of the Month and Forward of the Month for the months of October and November.

Perhaps his big crowning moment in the eyes of the Benfica fans came on 15 January 2023, when Goncalo scored twice in a 2-2 draw against their heated city rivals Sporting CP. in the process he became the second youngest player (aged 21 years and 183 days) to score a brace in the derby.

The goals continued to flow, and after netting in an away win over Rio Ave, Ramos became the youngest player to score 25 goals in a season for Benfica since Eusébio in the 1962–1963 season.[20] Ramos finished the season with 27 goals for his team, with 19 in the league, as the Eagles won the league.

Fast-forwarding to early August 2023, Paris Saint-Germain announced the signing of Ramos on a season-long loan with the obligation to make it permanent for €65m plus €15m in bonuses, so an €80m operation.

On 24 September, Ramos adhered himself to PSG fans in his sixth appearance, as he scored twice in a 4–0 win over Le Classique rivals Marseille. Late in November, it was confirmed the loan would be made permanent, and Ramos signed a contract with the club until 2028.

Ramos was hospitalised with a virus which caused him to lose six kilograms of weight. He recovered and ended up scoring five goals in seven matches, including the second goal in a 2-0 win over Marseille in the Le Classique at Stade Vélodrome.

He would score 14 goals in his first season playing mostly as a back-up. PSG won the domestic treble of Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, getting to the Champions League semi-finals.

PSG would go on to win the league, cup and Champions League in the next season (and the season after), with Ramos playing his part. He bagged in the UCL knockout phase play-offs against Ligue 1 side Brest, scoring PSG’s sixth goal in a 7-0 rout.

On 26 February, he scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 7–0 win over Stade Briochin in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France. Then, with the league title bagged, he scored his first Ligue 1 hat-trick on 10 May in a 4–1 away win over Montpellier.

In the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, the 25-year-old scored PSG’s second goal in stoppage time to tie it 2-2 against Spurs. The Parisians eventually won 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out, with Ramos scoring PSG’s first penalty.

On 1 October 2025, Ramos scored the winner against Barcelona in the Champions League. It made him the club’s all-time top scorer off the bench, with 17 goals. He would score in his 100th appearance for PSG, and converted the first penalty in the shootout against Arsenal to retain the Champions League.

At international level, Ramos played twice at the 2018 UEFA European U17 Championship in England, but it was the 2019 UEFA European U19 Championship in Armenia where he really shone. He was top scorer with four goals in five games, including a hat-trick versus Republic of Ireland in the semi-finals.

In November 2020, Ramos won his first cap for the U21 side and scored. He was a the 2021 U21 European Championship, helping Portugal finish as runners-up. Then, on 20 September 2022, a senior call-up finally came.

His senior Portugal debut came in a friendly match against Nigeria on 17 November, and he got off the mark with a goal. At the World Cup in Qatar, Ramos would announce himself on the world stage as Portugal manager Fernando Santos started him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

In that round of 16 game, Ramos scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in Portugal’s 6–1 victory over Switzerland, dazzling with his finishing. He was the first player to score a World Cup knockout stage hat-trick since Tomáš Skuhravý in 1990.

Ramos also became the first player to score a hat-trick in his first World Cup start since Miroslav Klose in 2002. Portugal went out to Morocco and Roberto Martínez came in as head coach, meaning Goncalo lost his place to Ronaldo again.

CR7 was suspended in a qualifier against Slovakia so Ramos started in Portugal’s 9-0 home win over Luxembourg, scoring a brace. In October 2023, Ramos scored the opening goal in a 3-2 win over Slovakia, securing Euro 2024 qualification at record pace.

Ramos was selected in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals squad which they would win thanks to a 5–3 penalty shootout victory over rivals Spain, with Ramos scoring Portugal’s first penalty. Most recently he was called up for the World Cup, but is yet to feature much or score.

Strengths and weaknesses

Standing at 185cm tall, Goncalo Ramos possesses a physical profile that blends the lean frame of an ectomorph with the athletic strength of a mesomorph, giving him an ideal balance between mobility and physical presence.

What makes him particularly dangerous, however, is his athleticism in transition. UEFA Champions League data from last season recorded a top speed of 32.1 kmph, highlighting his ability to attack space at pace.

Even more impressive is the volume of high intensity running he produces, averaging 16 sprints per game.

This means he repeatedly reaches top speed throughout matches, constantly stretching defensive lines, making penetrative runs beyond the back four, and providing a relentless outlet for his team both in possession and during counter-attacks.

One of his most underrated athletic traits is his acceleration. While a top speed of 32.1 kmph is not among the absolute elite numbers in European football, he is capable of reaching his maximum velocity very quickly.

This ability to accelerate over short distances makes him particularly explosive in tight spaces and during transitional moments.

Rather than relying solely on outright pace, he gains separation from defenders through sharp bursts of speed, allowing him to attack gaps, make runs in behind, and create advantages before opponents can react.

Combined with his average of 16 sprints per game, it underlines a player who can repeatedly generate explosive movements throughout a match.

First touch: Ramos possesses an excellent first touch, a trait that allows him to receive passes cleanly and operate effectively in tight spaces. He typically uses the inside of his boot to cushion and control the ball, ensuring that it remains close to his body and under his command.

Once possession is secured, he often employs the bridge of his foot to carry the ball forward, enabling quick, fluid dribbles without disrupting his stride. This combination of clean ball reception and efficient ball carrying helps him link play, evade pressure, and progress attacks with minimal touches.

While Ramos’ first touch is generally of a high standard, there is a slight inconsistency when receiving the ball on his left foot. His control is noticeably more assured on his stronger side, whereas touches with his left can occasionally be less clean, forcing him to take an extra touch to secure possession.

Although this is not a major weakness, it can affect the speed of his actions in tight spaces and make his ball reception less consistent when play is directed onto his weaker foot.

Dribbling and take-downs: Ramos is not a high-volume dribbler who looks to beat multiple opponents in isolation. Instead, he uses short, purposeful bursts with the ball to progress play and gain territory.

His carries are typically direct and functional, aimed at creating space for himself or advancing the attack rather than showcasing individual flair. He also displays good decision making in possession, rarely holding onto the ball for too long and preferring to move it quickly through passes or layoffs.

Another notable aspect of Ramos’ game is his ability to control long passes and aerial deliveries. Whether receiving direct balls from defenders or longer passes played into the forward line, he shows good technique in bringing the ball under control.

He judges the flight of the ball well and uses his body effectively to protect possession while cushioning it into his path.

This allows him to secure possession in advanced areas, link play with teammates, and provide a reliable outlet when his team looks to progress the ball quickly from deeper zones.

Passing: Ramos is not a high-volume passer and generally records a relatively low number of passes per match, reflecting his role as a penalty box striker rather than a creative hub. His focus is on providing a focal point for attacks and finishing moves rather than dictating play in possession.

However, his excellent first touch and clean ball control make him well suited to quick one touch combinations, allowing him to link play efficiently in congested areas.

While he is capable of producing the occasional chipped or lofted pass to release a teammate, this is not a consistent feature of his game. Similarly, he rarely attempts long range distribution, preferring simple and effective combinations that keep attacking moves flowing.

Shooting and striker movements: One of Ramos’ most dangerous qualities in the final third is his ability to strike the ball effectively with either foot. His ambidexterity makes him far less predictable than most forwards, as he can shoot comfortably from a variety of angles and body positions without needing to shift the ball onto a preferred side.

This forces defenders to close him down more aggressively and leaves goalkeepers with little margin for anticipation, as a shot can be released at any moment regardless of which foot the ball falls to. As a result, he remains a constant goal threat both inside and around the penalty area.

Ramos also possesses an excellent ability to shoot quickly on the turn, making him particularly dangerous with his back to goal. Once he receives possession, he can adjust his body position rapidly and generate a shot with minimal backlift, often before defenders have time to close him down or block the attempt.

This sharpness in tight spaces allows him to capitalise on half chances inside the penalty area and creates goalscoring opportunities from situations where many forwards would require additional touches. His quick release is a key reason why he remains a constant threat around the box.

Ramos boasts a diverse finishing repertoire, allowing him to adapt his technique to different goalscoring situations.

He is capable of generating power through driven instep strikes, using toe poke finishes to catch goalkeepers off guard in crowded areas, and executing composed finesse shots when precision is required.

This variety makes him a highly unpredictable finisher, as he can select the most effective technique based on the angle, available space, and pressure from defenders.

His ability to score through multiple finishing methods enhances his effectiveness inside the penalty area and makes him a difficult forward for goalkeepers to read.

Despite standing at only 185cm, Ramos possesses an excellent vertical leap and timing, allowing him to outperform taller defenders in aerial situations. His ability to attack crosses aggressively and generate power in headers makes him a consistent threat inside the penalty area.

Combined with his movement and positioning, he provides a significant aerial presence both in open play and from set-piece situations.

Game intelligence: In a post-match interview with Thierry Henry, Ramos explained the mechanics behind how he repeatedly beat FC Barcelona’s offside trap.

Positioning and off-ball movements” Gonçalo Ramos’ greatest strength is arguably his movement off the ball. He constantly scans for spaces between opposition centre backs, positioning himself in areas where he can exploit defensive gaps and remain available for through balls.

Rather than dropping deep for prolonged periods, he prefers to occupy the last line of defence and pin centre backs back. From these positions, he makes frequent vertical runs into space, timing his movements well to attack channels and get beyond defenders.

His intelligent movement stretches defensive structures, creates room for teammates, and makes him a persistent threat in behind.

Another important aspect of Ramos’ movement is his selfless work for the team. He frequently makes decoy runs designed not necessarily to receive the ball, but to manipulate the opposition’s defensive structure.

By dragging centre backs out of position or forcing them to track his movement, he creates pockets of space for teammates to exploit. In the example here, his run draws defenders away from the danger zone, opening up space for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to receive the ball and get a shot away.

These subtle movements often go unnoticed, but they are a key part of his value within a collective attacking system.

Ramos demonstrates an excellent understanding of space, constantly identifying gaps in the opposition’s shape and moving into areas where he can influence the game.

His movement is proactive rather than reactive, as he regularly makes runs into space before the pass is played, ensuring he remains available to receive the ball.

As a result, he consistently provides teammates with a vertical passing option, whether between the lines or beyond the defensive line. This ability to occupy intelligent positions helps his team progress play more directly and maintain attacking momentum.

While Ramos is primarily known for his runs in behind, he also shows a strong understanding of when to come short and support the build-up. He regularly drops towards the ball to link play with teammates, providing a reliable passing option between the lines.

These movements help create numerical superiority in central areas and allow his side to progress possession through quick combinations.

By vacating the forward line at the right moments, he can also draw defenders out of position, opening up passing lanes and creating space for teammates to exploit with forward runs.

Pressing: Gonçalo Ramos is an intelligent and highly effective presser who contributes significantly without possession. Rather than simply chasing the ball, he presses with clear intent and a strong understanding of defensive positioning.

One of his key strengths is his use of cover shadows, as he angles his pressing runs to close down the ball carrier while simultaneously cutting off nearby passing lanes. This limits the opponent’s options in possession and helps funnel play into areas where his team can regain the ball.

He constantly scans the passing options available to the opposition player in possession and adjusts his positioning accordingly to block passing lanes and anticipate the next phase of play.

He also reacts aggressively when possession is lost, immediately engaging in counter-pressing to disrupt the opposition before they can launch a transition.

This quick response helps his team sustain pressure, recover the ball higher up the pitch, and limit the opponent’s ability to exploit spaces created during attacking phases.

Leadership qualities: Ramos is highly engaged even when he is not directly involved in possession. He constantly communicates with teammates, using gestures and pointing to identify free players and available passing lanes.

This helps teammates make quicker decisions under pressure and improves the team’s circulation of the ball. At the same time, he ensures that he remains available as a passing option himself, adjusting his positioning to support the player in possession.

These small but important actions reflect his strong tactical awareness and commitment to the collective functioning of the team.

Ramos demonstrates strong leadership qualities through his organisation of the team’s pressing structure. He is vocal in demanding that teammates engage opponents aggressively and maintain compact distances between units, ensuring that gaps do not emerge for the opposition to exploit.

As seen here, he actively directs those around him, encouraging coordinated pressure on the ball carrier and helping the team remain compact during defensive phases.

This communication is crucial in maintaining the effectiveness of the press and preventing opponents from playing through or around it.

Team-centric role: Ramos is highly effective at using short movements towards the ball to manipulate defenders and create space for attacking combinations. By dropping into deeper areas, he often entices a centre back to follow him out of the defensive line, disrupting the opposition’s shape.

These movements can then trigger third man combinations, where a teammate receives the ball and immediately releases another runner into the space that Ramos has helped create.

Once the defender has been drawn out of position, Ramos is also capable of spinning away and making a run in behind, exploiting the gaps created by his own movement. This intelligence and timing make him a valuable focal point in positional and combination based attacking play.

Ramos is very effective in relay passing situations, often acting as a reference point for his teammates when playing through opposition pressure. He positions himself to receive the ball with a defender at his back and then quickly lays it off with one or two touches to the player who initially passed it to him.

These bounce passes help his team play out of the press by creating quick passing combinations that can bypass the first line of pressure. His awareness, body positioning, and ability to execute these actions cleanly make him an important link in possession and progression phases.

Ramos is highly effective at pinning the opposition’s defensive line back. By constantly threatening runs in behind and positioning himself close to the last defender, he forces centre backs to remain deeper than they would ideally like.

This prevents the opposition from pushing their defensive line too high and creates more space between the defence and midfield for his teammates to exploit.

Even when he does not receive the ball, his positioning influences the behaviour of defenders, making him an important tactical weapon in creating room for others in advanced areas.

Ramos demonstrates a strong understanding of positional rotations and regularly exchanges positions with teammates to create uncertainty within the opposition’s defensive structure.

Rather than remaining fixed as a traditional centre forward, he is willing to drift into different zones, drop deeper, or move into wider areas when required by the team’s attacking patterns.

These rotations help disrupt defensive marking schemes, create new passing angles, and open spaces for teammates to exploit. His tactical intelligence and willingness to adapt his positioning make him a valuable component in fluid, possession based attacking systems.

Ramos plays a key role in directing opponents towards pre-arranged pressing traps. Rather than pressing in a straight line, he carefully angles his runs and positions his body to influence where the opposition can play the ball.

By restricting certain passing options and encouraging play into specific areas, he helps funnel opponents into zones where his teammates are ready to apply pressure and regain possession.

As seen here, his tactical awareness and understanding of collective pressing principles are instrumental in the successful execution of the team’s defensive scheme.

Areas of concern

➤ Ramos is not an especially physical striker and may find it difficult to cope with the aggressive defensive duels common in Serie A.

➤ While he can ride challenges occasionally, he is not strong enough to consistently dominate physical battles against centre-backs.

➤ Unlike Giroud, he does not possess elite hold-up play, making him a less effective target for direct long balls.

➤ He is not the most mobile striker and does not regularly beat defenders in one-versus-one situations.His top speed is good rather than exceptional, limiting his ability to rely purely on pace in behind.

➤ Ramos is a striker who depends heavily on the quality of service around him and will require consistent chance creation to maximise his output.

Statistical analysis

Ramos averages 0.47 goals per 90 from 3.99 shots per match, with 1.72 shots on target, while his 0.6 xGOT suggests he is capable of generating good-quality efforts on goal.

His movement inside the box is reflected by 5.02 touches in the penalty area and 15.87 received passes, showing a striker who regularly positions himself to receive service in dangerous areas. In possession, he contributes with 19.27 accurate passes per game and 0.82 accurate passes into the penalty area, helping to connect attacks.

Physically, Ramos possesses respectable pace, reaching a top speed of 32.1 km/h, while also competing effectively in the air with 3.31 aerial duels per match. Defensively, he contributes 1.64 interceptions, highlighting a willingness to work without the ball and support the press.

Although not a high-volume ball carrier, as shown by 0.73 progressive runs, he can still provide creativity through 0.26 accurate through balls per game. His 36.50% offensive duel success rate indicates room for improvement in direct one-versus-one situations.

Comparison with Gyokeres

While Viktor Gyökeres posts superior headline numbers, the comparison highlights how closely his profile mirrors Gonçalo Ramos. Both operate as penalty-box strikers who generate high shot volumes, consistently get on target, and frequently attack dangerous central spaces.

Gyökeres holds advantages in goals, xGOT, aerial duels, touches in the box and overall involvement, reflecting his role as Sporting’s focal point. Ramos, meanwhile, matches him for shot output, records a slightly higher offensive duel success rate, and contributes more defensively through interceptions.

Both possess strong athleticism, intelligent movement and effective penalty-area presence, making them remarkably similar modern centre-forwards despite differing tactical environments.

Conclusion

There is no sugar-coating this: Milan have bet the house on Ramos. Both in terms of the transfer fee and the trust placed in Ruben Amorim to get the best out of him, this simply has to work or it could be a disaster on and off the field.

However, given the all-round nature of the Portuguese’s skill set and the fact the deal was done before the end of July, the Rossoneri have given themselves the best possible chance of this working out well.

Tags AC Milan Goncalo Ramos

17 Comments

  2. A complete high-level striker. Even better in tight spaces than in transitions, which make him a potentially good fit for Serie A. If the team works decently I do not have much doubt he will score at least 20 goals across all competitions, probably more if he takes penalties. You can argue about the price being too high, but technically I struggle to see who AC Milan could have bought that is better than Ramos.

    1. I dont know what has brought you to this conclusion, mabye the 5 goals in 30 games, in a defensively inferior league means 20 goals in serie a. BTW, Mateta, and vlahovic are better for less money

      1. Puli was expected to be sub for Chukwueze… you never know. the fact that he competed with the monster of teammates he had is already impressive. no one comes to their level in attack

      2. Because in his career between Benfica and PSG he scored an average of a goal every 137 minutes. Considering that a regular starter in a team that plays in 3 competitions can easily play above 3500 minutes in a season, to hit 20 goals he would have to score a goal every 175 minutes. He has always done better than that.

        1. What a half ass baked argument by sempre milan. He is a Pressing Forward. His main duty here is to force the opponent make mistakes, win back the ball in the opposition defending sides, preventing a counter attack build up and at the same time distrupting build up play from opponent defensive line from opposition Ball Playing Defenders. Why is he expensive for milan? This is 2026, everything is expensive. And most importantly why he is expensive, while doing all that above, he can score goals and dummy run making chance for other milan’s AM penetrating from the deep. Imagine what kind of things Pulisic can do with this man destroying opposition defensive line.

  3. I wouldn’t trust Fabrizio numbers he said that we had 10 percent resale clause on tonali turned to be cap

        1. Then did not watch many games. Elite hold up play and quite decent numbers, especially last season.

  5. Areas of concern
    ➤ Ramos is not an especially physical striker and may find it difficult to cope with the aggressive defensive duels common in Serie A.

    ➤ While he can ride challenges occasionally, he is not strong enough to consistently dominate physical battles against centre-backs.

    ➤ Unlike Giroud, he does not possess elite
    hold-up play, making him a less effective target for direct long balls.

    ➤ He is not the most mobile striker and does not regularly beat defenders in one-versus-one situations. His top speed is good rather than exceptional, limiting his ability to rely purely on pace in behind.

    ➤ Ramos is a striker who depends heavily on the quality of service around him and will require consistent chance creation to maximise his output.

    It’s the (lackness of) strength and robustness that worries me (the) most.

  6. Please,to anyone that knows Ruben Amorim, please let him know we need to please kindly sign Leandro Trossard. Please.
    Rafa, you read SempreMilan don’t you, superstar? Please let the him know.

  7. This Striker will come good. He owns the number 9 and holds that repsonsibility. What we need are people that can create those chances for him. As many as possible especially from midfield.

    they need to get playmakers that can create. We just lost our future playmaker since he chose Como. Hoping he can develop better there then come back to milan.

  8. So based on this write up, he doesn’t have pace , doesn’t have dribbling skills, no strong and can’t pass well. Can’t hold up the ball well either. And he needs service around him, with Serie A and in particular us being not that great in recent times for service. Grant it, he scores somehow 🤷‍♂️ but those are some worrying defects. Almost all areas of his game for offense needs work….. At 74 mil. 😬

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