Portuguese defender Talocha retires at 36

João Carlos Araújo Fonseca Silva, known in football as Talocha, announced his retirement at age 36, ending a 20‑year professional career. He played 454 official matches and scored 22 goals for a number of clubs, including Varzim SC, SC Farense, Gil Vicente FC, Riga FC, Atromitos FC, Boavista FC, FC Vizela, CD Tondela and FC Famalicão. His last season was with Varzim in Liga 3, where he made 27 appearances, netted one goal and added two assists.

Talocha was a key figure in Gil Vicente’s historic 2020‑2022 period, helping the club achieve a fifth‑place finish in the Primeira Liga – its best ever – and securing qualification for European competition. He also won the Segunda Liga with CD Tondela (2024/2025) and the Latvian Virslīga with Riga FC (2019/2020). The club and fans thanked him for his contributions as he moves on to a new chapter.