Founded on 25 December 1951, as a
FC Porto subsidiary,[1] 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)
presenterJorge Gabriel for a few months during that timeframe.[2]
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.[3][4] Subsequently, the
Arouca Municipality awarded the club the Medal of Gold Merit for its achievement,[5] with the organization also being granted extra financial means to renovate and expand its stadium.[6]
In
2015–16 under
Lito Vidigal, Arouca finished a best-ever fifth place, qualifying for the first time to the
UEFA Europa League.[7] 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.[8] A year after their peak finish, Arouca were relegated, ending their four years at the top.[9]
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.[10] 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.[11]
Players
Current squad
As of 31 May 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under
FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.