Once again decisive after coming off the bench against Marseille, Gonçalo Ramos has fully embraced his role as PSG’s ultimate super-sub. Despite limited playing time, the Portuguese striker remains a crucial weapon for Luis Enrique — a status that effectively secures his short-term future in Paris.
A goal scorer who breaks the rules
In an era where individual ambition often dominates, Gonçalo Ramos stands out. Confined to the bench at PSG, the Portuguese forward never complains and instead makes the most of every minute he’s given. Against OM last Thursday, just as Marseille were beginning to celebrate what could have been their first trophy in 14 years, Ramos crushed their hopes with a 95th-minute equalizer, only six minutes after coming on.
Moments later, he confidently converted PSG’s first penalty in the shootout, before lifting his 10th trophy with the club.
The numbers behind the magic
The Opta stat has been widely shared — and for good reason. Six of Ramos’ last ten goals have been scored after the 90th minute. Since joining PSG, 28% of his goals (12 out of 43) have come in that time window.
Those numbers perfectly validate his supersub label — a role that seems inevitable given his ongoing struggles when starting matches and contributing to the possession-based buildup Luis Enrique demands.
“He’s a physical animal”
Renato Paiva, who coached Ramos in Benfica’s youth teams (2018–2019), offered insight in L’Équipe:
“He comes on when defenders are tired. And physically, he’s an animal — so he hurts them.”
Paiva, who faced PSG last summer with Botafogo at the Club World Cup, believes Ramos lacks the technical profile to be a regular starter under Luis Enrique. That assessment dates back to Benfica, when Paiva himself converted Ramos from midfield to striker.
“He ran everywhere. I thought I had my first defender and my goal scorer in one player. Once we played him as a number nine, it was incredible. Thigh, knee, shin — he could score with anything. We called him ‘the sorcerer’.”
No transfer request, no frustration
While his profile doesn’t match Luis Enrique’s ideal starting striker, the Spanish coach has always praised Ramos’ professionalism and continues to use him regularly (25 appearances already this season).
Despite being PSG’s top scorer with 10 goals, Ramos ranks only 16th in minutes played. Yet he has never complained or asked to leave.
“Normally, when you score that much and don’t play, you ask to leave. Not Gonçalo,” a close source told L’Équipe. “That’s probably why Luis Enrique values him so much. Mentally and tactically, he gives you solutions.”
PSG share that view and have already informed the market that Ramos is not for sale this winter.
What comes next?
Given his stats and international pedigree, the “sorcerer” is expected to be called up by Portugal for the 2026 World Cup. The question of his long-term future will inevitably arise afterward — as it would be natural for Ramos to seek a bigger role.
But for now, scoring decisive goals and collecting trophies in Paris doesn’t seem too unpleasant either.