Ricky moved to Portugal to play for S.L. Benfica, in December 1988, but appeared very rarely with the team in the 1988–89 season, scoring only six goals, all in the same Portuguese Cup fixture against Atlético Riachense.[3] He moved to C.F. Estrela da Amadora, where he played in the 1989–90 and 1990–91 seasons, winning the Taça de Portugal in 1990. He then moved north to Boavista FC, for the 1991–92 season. His impact was instant, helping the side finish third in his first season with the addition of the Taça de Portugal, as the player netted 30 times in the Primeira Liga, being the top scorer.