Kiko Bondoso Explained

Francisco "Kiko" Miguel Ribeiro Tomé Tavares Bondoso (born 17 November 1995) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Rio Ave on loan from Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Club career

Bondoso was born in Moimenta da Beira, Viseu District. He spent his first seven seasons as a senior in the third division or lower.^[2]

Bondoso signed with F.C. Vizela of the third tier in the summer of 2019, from Lusitano FCV.^[3] He was part of the squads that earned two promotions in as many seasons to reach the Primeira Liga, scoring three goals in 29 Liga Portugal 2 matches in the second and subsequently renewing his contract until 30 June 2024.^{[4] [5]}

On 6 August 2021, Bondoso made his debut in the Portuguese top flight, starting in a 3–0 away loss against Sporting CP.^[6] He scored his first goal the following weekend, helping the hosts come from behind to defeat C.D. Tondela 2–1.^{[7] [2]}

On 2 September 2023, Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. announced the signing of Bondoso on a three-year contract with an option for a further year,^[8] for a fee reportedly close to €1 million.^[9] He scored his only goal on 3 January 2024, in the 4–1 away win over F.C. Ashdod;^[10] his team were ultimately crowned champions.^[11]

Bondoso went back to Portugal in July 2024, on a season-long loan at Rio Ave FC.^[12]

Honours

Maccabi Tel Aviv

• Israeli Premier League

2023–24^[11]

• Toto Cup

2023–24^[11]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kiko Bondoso. Mais Futebol. pt. 15 December 2021.
2. Web site: Kiko Bondoso deixa conselhos aos jovens de escalões inferiores: manter o foco e a ambição e nunca desistir. Kiko Bondoso leaves advice to youngsters in the lower leagues: keep focus and ambition and never give up. SAPO. pt. 17 August 2021. 15 December 2021.
3. Web site: Kiko Bondoso é o primeiro reforço no FC Vizela. Kiko Bondoso is the first addition at FC Vizela. Rádio Vizela. pt. 28 June 2019. 15 December 2021.
4. News: Vizela segura Kiko Bondoso com novo contrato: "Magia garantida até 2024". Vizela tie Kiko Bondoso with new contract: "Magic confirmed until 2024". O Jogo. pt. 11 July 2021. 15 December 2021.
5. Web site: A história de Kiko começou contra uma parede e continua na I Liga. Kiko's story started against a wall and continues in the I League. Rádio Renascença. Sílvio. Vieira. pt. 18 October 2021. 15 December 2021.
6. News: Sporting inicia defesa do título com goleada. Sporting begin title defence with a rout. Público. Augusto. Bernardino. pt. 6 August 2021. 15 December 2021.
7. Web site: Vizela-Tondela, 2–1 (destaques). Vizela-Tondela, 2–1 (highlights). Mais Futebol. pt. 14 August 2021. 15 December 2021.
8. Web site: Kiko Bondoso joins Maccabi. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.. 2 September 2023. 2 September 2023.
9. News: Kiko Bondoso em Israel: saiba quanto rende o extremo aos cofres do Vizela. Kiko Bondoso in Israel: find out how much Vizela's safes profit from the winger. O Jogo. Lino. Devesas. pt. 3 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
10. Web site: A numbers game: Maccabi equaled best ever start. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.. 4 January 2024. 13 July 2024.
11. News: Kiko Bondoso é campeão em Israel. Kiko Bondoso is champion in Israel. Jornal do Centro. pt. 20 May 2024. 13 July 2024.
12. News: Oficial: Kiko Bondoso é reforço do Rio Ave. Official: Kiko Bondoso is a Rio Ave addition. Record. pt. 4 July 2024. 13 July 2024.