IN THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL, WHERE MOMENTS ARE FLEETING AND LEGACIES ARE BUILT ONE GAME AT A TIME, RÚBEN DIAS STANDS AS A SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE, DETERMINATION, AND LEADERSHIP. AS ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED DEFENDERS OF HIS GENERATION, RÚBEN’S JOURNEY FROM A YOUNG BOY WITH BIG DREAMS TO AN INTERNATIONAL STAR HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF INSPIRING. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, RÚBEN OPENS UP ABOUT THE DEFINING MOMENTS OF HIS CAREER, THE MINDSET THAT KEEPS HIM GROUNDED, AND THE LESSONS HE’S LEARNED ON AND OFF THE PITCH. THE STORY OF AN ATHLETE WHOSE PASSION AND DEDICATION CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL.
photographer PAULO MEIXEDO
fashion FILIPE FANGUEIRO
make up BEATRIZ TEXUGO
hair joana carvalho
photography assistant Luis Ferreira
full story in Emporia Armani
Eight years ago, we first met Rúben Dias in Lisbon, capturing the raw energy and promise of a young talent making waves at Benfica. Fast forward to today, we find ourselves photographing Ruben once again—this time in the intimate setting of his home. Now a global football icon and a leader both on and off the pitch, Ruben graces the cover of DSECTION with a presence that reflects not just his athletic achievements, but the depth of his character. This moment offered us the perfect opportunity to go beyond the game and uncover the man behind the footballer—the experiences, values, and vision that continue to define Rúben’s remarkable journey.
PAULO MEIXEDO: Rúben, it’s always fascinating to hear about the journey of a footballer like you. How and when did football truly enter your life? Was it always something serious for you?
RÚBEN DIAS: Football has always been part of my life. I’d say it was serious from the beginning because of the seriousness I put into everything I did. Even as a kid, I approached it with passion. When I joined my first club, I immediately took it seriously, though I didn’t fully understand the weight of it back then. My career was built on small victories, on proving to myself that I was capable. It was a gradual process, from training to playing at different levels. When I reached Benfica Juniors, it felt like everything I had worked for was coming together—my leadership, my way of being, and what I brought to the field.
PM: You mentioned having to constantly prove yourself. Do you feel that’s still part of your journey? Also, you touched on leadership—do you consider yourself a natural leader?
RD: I wouldn’t say proving myself is the driving force. It’s more about overcoming my own limits and striving to be the best version of myself. It’s less about proving others wrong and more about staying true to what I believe in. As for leadership, it’s been part of me from the beginning. I remember my first coach, Mr. Luís, telling me, “Your biggest quality is your ability to lead.” That stuck with me. My way of connecting with teammates, motivating them, and pushing for results became central to who I am. My ambition and drive to win naturally led me to take on that role.
PM: Was leadership something you always embraced, or did it feel like a challenge you had to work on over time?
RD: It’s always been part of who I am. Of course, it required mistakes and learning, but I never felt like I had to lead just for the sake of it. It was natural—it came from my desire to win and use every tool at my disposal, especially communication. Recognizing that leadership was essential to reaching my dreams and helping my team succeed made me embrace it even more.
PM: It’s interesting how those qualities evolve over time. I often say that we live multiple lives—through different places, people, and experiences. Looking back, do you feel like you’ve been a different person during your time at Benfica, Manchester City, and with the national team? Or do they all tie into the same version of RÚben?
RD: That’s a good question. I think each phase of my career brought out different aspects of me, but they all connect to who I am at my core. At Benfica, I was still discovering myself, laying the foundation. At Manchester City, I grew a lot, adapting to a new culture and a new level of football. With the national team, there’s a unique pride and responsibility that shapes you. Each moment has its lessons and challenges, but they’ve all contributed to my evolution.
PM: That’s beautifully put. By the way, I know how meticulous you are. You’ve been doing this for a while, haven’t you?
RD: (laughs) Yeah, I’ve had my share of interviews. But this is nice—it feels different, more like a conversation.
PM: I’m glad to hear that. Do you remember the RÚben from Benfica? How do you feel when you think about that time? Who was that RÚben? And how did he evolve when he played for the national team? And now, the RÚben who plays for Manchester City?
RD: I think those phases required constant adaptation. Football, and my life in general, have taught me a lot about responsibility. If I have the maturity I possess today, it’s because football, from an early age, demanded that I take on significant responsibilities. And that, above all, is what helps us grow the most. I often say that football is a perfect metaphor for life, especially in terms of versatility and balance. Balancing our minds and lives allows us to perform at the highest level. That balance is probably the biggest takeaway I have from football. When I transitioned from Benfica’s youth system to the first team, I brought the same core tools and principles with me. Of course, the complexity and challenges increased when I joined Manchester City. But I always remained true to who I am. Back at Benfica, I was surrounded by leaders who could have interpreted my leadership as offensive or disrespectful but time ended up showing it was only part of who I was.
PM: Sorry to interrupt, but I want to follow your reasoning here. You’ve always struck me as someone extremely focused. From an outsider’s perspective, your focus and leadership seem unwavering. But with focus and leadership comes immense competitiveness and an incredible demand for perfection. That, inevitably, brings pressure. I remember something you once said to me—it stuck with me. You told me, “You wouldn’t last a week in my shoes.” I never asked you why you said that, but I imagine it’s because of the immense pressure you endure as a leader. How do you manage it? Thousands of people watch you on the pitch, cheering or criticising, shouting that you’re either a hero or a failure. How do you handle that pressure in your day-to-day life? Because, in the end, you’re not just a footballer. You’re a human being.
RD: Without a doubt, managing pressure is something that develops over time. It’s about climbing the ladder step by step and gradually embracing greater responsibility. I started at a small club like Estrela, then moved to Benfica, where I immediately felt the increased impact and expectations. As I grew at Benfica, more and more people followed me, noticed me, and expected results. By the time I reached the first team, it was an entirely different level of pressure. The national team was yet another significant leap. Each step taught me to control my emotions and experiences. I believe a footballer—or anyone in a high-performance role—truly finds their place when they can consistently handle pressure. You might excel for a year or two, but to be at the top long-term, you have to manage that pressure day in and day out. That’s the turning point in anyone’s career: defining your limits and learning whether you can sustain that high level. And for me, that’s when I feel most alive—when the stakes are highest. It’s not just about winning trophies; it’s about becoming a champion in life.
PM: And how do you mentally switch off from that pressure? Do you find yourself needing solitude to recharge, like a lone wolf, both on and off the field?
RD: To some extent, yes. Solitude is important, but I play a collective sport, so it’s crucial to ensure everything around me functions harmoniously. I need to be surrounded by people and systems that work. At the same time, every individual within that environment must have their own confidence and self-belief. Great teams are built on the foundation of individual resilience and mutual support.
PM: Behind every great talent is often a great support system. If you look back, is there someone who was indispensable in shaping who you are today?
RD: Without a doubt, my parents. My father taught me lessons I still carry with me today. Simplicity and humility were central values in my upbringing. I also believe great leaders allow themselves moments of doubt. Accepting fragility and questioning yourself—without assuming you’re invincible—are essential exercises for growth.
PM: And how do you view defeats, like losing a final? Are they moments of fragility or strength?
RD: For me, defeats are moments of immense strength. One of the defining moments in my career was when we lost the Champions League final against Chelsea. That first experience was painful, of course. But almost immediately, I realised it was part of a bigger process, one that would ultimately lead to greater success. The following season, we faced another heartbreak against Real Madrid. Yet, in my third season, we won the Champions League in Istanbul, completing the Treble. That moment of loss against Chelsea could have derailed me. Instead, it strengthened my resolve.
PM: Does your heart beat stronger when you play for the national team?
RD: Absolutely. Representing Portugal is incomparable. Competing in a European Championship or World Cup is special because you’re not just playing for yourself or your club—you’re representing your entire country. The feeling of having millions of Portuguese fans behind you is indescribable. It’s everything you once dreamed of and more. Portugal holds a truly special place in my heart.
PM: RÚben, throughout your career, you’ve represented your country with pride. Looking back on all the games you’ve played, can you recall a moment that stands out the most? Whether it was a victory, the impact it had, or the emotions it stirred?
RD: would say the final of the UEFA Nations League. That was a very significant moment for me. Winning the final and being elected player of the match—undoubtedly a defining moment. But looking back, even more so, my first call-up to the 2018 World Cup squad stands out. It was the first time I was included, and though I didn’t play in any official matches, just being part of that journey was a unique experience. It wasn’t about playing in that moment, but rather about realising I was doing what I set out to achieve. It was an emotional moment, being on the cusp of something bigger.
PM: You’ve spoken about the sacrifices involved in your profession. In your journey, did you ever doubt yourself? Were there times you questioned if this was truly your path, or did you always know that you were going to be a top-level athlete?
RD: Honestly, I never doubted. There was a moment, though, when I was in the B team and had to consider the possibility of transitioning to the main squad. It was a crossroads. It felt like, “it’s now or never.” And when that thought crossed my mind, two seconds later, I knew: I was going to make it. There was no other option. I wasn’t thinking of anything else. I knew I was going to be in the first team—there was no room for doubt. That was a pivotal moment, a revelation about the kind of commitment I needed. It was less about blind conviction and more about focus—focusing on what I could do the next day.
PM: That’s a very focused mindset. What do you think is the secret to staying grounded with such a promising career ahead of you?
RD: I think the key is being surrounded by people who keep you grounded and offer good advice. I’ve been fortunate to have that in my family—my parents, my brother, and a close-knit circle of people I trust. Also, I’ve always had a clear mindset: never think you’re the smartest in the room. There’s always someone who knows more than you, and you can learn from them. And as I said earlier, it’s important to stay humble. You might think you’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s always more to achieve. It’s about keeping your feet on the ground, not resting on your laurels.
PM: Do you ever feel that there is unhealthy competition among players?
RD: There is definitely competition, but it’s how you handle it that matters. The ones who stay true to themselves, who are authentic and clear in their goals, will always rise to the top. Those who come in with a façade, for reasons that aren’t genuine, will eventually falter. The key is being authentic and focused on what really matters.
PM: Given all you’ve achieved, what do you feel you still have left to achieve in your career?
RD: I think the answer to that is: I don’t think I’ve achieved everything yet. I still have so much to accomplish. And to truly achieve everything, you have to keep the mindset that there is always more to do. If I were to think I’ve reached the peak, that would be the end of my journey. So, it’s about having that hunger to keep going, regardless of what you’ve already achieved.
PM: Let’s talk a little bit about RÚben off the field. Who is the man behind the footballer? If I were to grab a coffee with you, what would that experience be like?
RD: What you see on the field is pretty much what you get off the field. I try to remain the same person in both worlds. I’m grounded, genuine, and simple. Off the field, I’m passionate about my work, my family, and my friends. These are the things that keep me motivated. I believe in living authentically, staying true to myself, and working hard for the things that matter most.
PM: Do you consider yourself an icon for the next generation of footballers?
RD: If people look at me as an example or inspiration, then I’m honored. But I think the greatest joy for me is knowing that everything I’ve accomplished was once a dream that seemed out of reach. And if I can show others that everything is possible if you stay focused and believe in yourself, that’s my greatest legacy.
PM: Speaking of legacy, what kind of legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
RD: I want people to remember that anything is possible. Coming from where I did, no one would have imagined I could achieve what I’ve achieved. And that, for me, is the most important message: with the right mindset, you can achieve anything. I want to inspire others to believe in their dreams, no matter where they come from.
PM: A leader is a future captain. Do you think that applies to you?
RD: Yes, I believe so. A leader doesn’t need a captain’s armband to be a leader. A leader is someone who leads by example, regardless of titles. I’ve been a leader in the national team, even without wearing the captain’s armband. For me, it’s not about the title; it’s about how you influence those around you.
PM:Let’s finish with a few rapid-fire questions. Coffee or no coffee?
RD: I don’t drink coffee!
PM: If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be?
RD: A financial consultant.
PM: Cold pizza in the morning: yes or no?
RD: No.
PM: Could you survive a day without social media?
RD: Yes, easily.
PM: What’s your go-to outfit?
RD: Black
PM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
RD: I’d choose invisibility. It would give me the ability to observe things from a different perspective.
PM: Do you indulge in post-game food or keep it in check?
RD: I keep it in check, but I’m not going to lie—I’ve had a cheeseburger or two!
PM: Are you a home player or do you prefer playing away?
RD: Definitely prefer playing at home.
PM: If you were an animal, what would you be?
RD: Eagle
PM: Do you scream more on the field or in real life?
RD: Definitely more on the field.
PM: What’s one thing you never leave the house without?
RD: Perfume.
PM: What makes you laugh unintentionally?
RD: A genuine smile from someone I care about.
PM: Best football joke you know?
RD: It’s probably one from Jorge Jesus. He has a great sense of humor.
PM:And finally, are you more nervous with the referee or your mother?
RD: Definitely the referee!
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