F.C. Arouca

History

Founded on 25 December 1951, as a FC Porto subsidiary, Arouca spent the first five decades of its existence in the Aveiro regional leagues. In only two years (2006–08) it managed to reach the third division, being managed by television (RTP) presenter Jorge Gabriel for a few months during that timeframe.

Arouca managed its fourth promotion in only seven years at the end of 2012–13, reaching the Primeira Liga for the first time in its history. Subsequently, the Arouca Municipality awarded the club the Medal of Gold Merit for its achievement, with the organization also being granted extra financial means to renovate and expand its stadium.

In 2015–16 under Lito Vidigal, Arouca finished a best-ever fifth place, qualifying for the first time to the UEFA Europa League. After beating Heracles Almelo of the Netherlands on the away goals rule, they lost the play-off 3–1 after extra time to Olympiacos of Greece. A year after their peak finish, Arouca were relegated, ending their four years at the top.

A two-year spell in the second division for Arouca ended in May 2019 when on the last day of the season, they lost to U.D. Oliveirense and Varzim S.C. defeated Académica de Coimbra; this ended nine years in the professional leagues. The 2019–20 season was truncated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Arouca and Vizela were due to be promoted because of their final position; competitors Olhanense successfully appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport for these promotions to be suspended.

Players

Current squad

Out on loan

Statistics

Most appearances

Top goalscorers

Managerial history

• POR Acácio Figueiredo (2000–2001)
• POR Francisco Batista (2001–2002)
• POR Artur Quaresma (2003 – June 2004)
• POR Vasco Coelho (1 July 2004 – 1 November 2004)
• POR Rui Correia (1 July 2006 – 30 June 2007)
• POR Jorge Gabriel (1 July 2007 – 4 February 2008)
• POR José Pedro (4 February 2008 – 30 June 2009)
• POR Carlos Secretário (1 July 2009 – 7 December 2009)
• POR Henrique Nunes (9 December 2009 – 20 September 2011)
• POR Vítor Oliveira (21 September 2011 – 30 June 2013)
• POR Pedro Emanuel (1 July 2013 – 25 May 2015)
• ANG Lito Vidigal (1 July 2015 – 11 February 2017)
• POR Manuel Machado (11 February 2017 – 21 March 2017)
• POR Jorge Leitão (22 March 2017 – 30 June 2017)
• POR Jorge Costa (1 July 2017 – 14 September 2017)
• POR Miguel Leal (15 September 2017 – 26 September 2018)
• POR Quim Machado (27 September 2018 – 30 June 2019)
• POR Henrique Nunes (1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020)
• POR Armando Evangelista (1 July 2020 – 11 June 2023)
• POR Daniel Ramos (1 July 2023 – 15 November 2023)
• POR Daniel Sousa (15 November 2023 – 19 May 2024)
• URY Gonzalo García (21 May 2024 – present)

Honours

• Segunda Divisão
  • 2009–10
• Terceira Divisão
  • 2007–08
• Aveiro Regional League
  • 2006–07, 2002–03

Seasons

Last updated: 10 November 2023

European record

UEFA club competition record

;Notes

• 3Q: Third qualifying round
• PO: Play-off

UEFA coefficient

Correct as of 21 May 2025.

References

References

1. "História". Arouca's official website.
2. [http://www.metronews.com.pt/2008/06/17/jorge-gabriel-nao-esquece-passagem-por-arouca/ Jorge Gabriel não esquece passagem por Arouca (Jorge Gabriel does not forget time in Arouca)] {{Webarchive. link. (2016-03-04 ; Metro News, 17 June 2008 {{in lang). pt
3. link. (2014-08-08 ; [[Record (Portuguese newspaper)). Record]], 12 May 2013 {{in lang. pt
4. (12 May 2013). "Arouca sobe à I Liga pela primeira vez na sua história". [[Público (Portugal).
5. link. (2013-06-10 ; Record, 4 June 2013 {{in lang). pt
6. [http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/ii-liga/arouca-estadio-renovacao-obras-reportagem-maisfutebol/1450908-1442.html Arouca: estádio renovado em contrarrelógio (Arouca: renovated stadium against the clock)] {{Webarchive. link. (2014-08-12 ; Mais Futebol, 18 May 2013 {{in lang). pt
7. (7 May 2016). "Académica desce à II Liga, Arouca conquista Liga Europa". Público.
8. (25 August 2016). "Chori saves Olympiacos". Agona Sport.
9. (21 May 2017). "Arouca perde no Estoril e desce à segunda divisão". SAPO.
10. (19 May 2019). "Arouca perde em Oliveira de Azeméis e desce ao Campeonato de Portugal". Observador.
11. (28 July 2020). "Tribunal Arbitral do Desporto suspende subidas de Vizela e Arouca à II Liga". Público.
12. (30 June 2024). "Club coefficients". [[UEFA]].