Érico Henrique Esteves de Sousa is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a midfielder.
Career
Barnsley/Hyde
Born in Vale da Amoreira, Moita, Portugal, Sousa started his career at Manchester City, joining them when he was 15. After leaving Manchester City, Sousa joined Barnsley at the academy. After progressing through the ranks of the club's academy, Sousa was released by Barnsley on 7 May 2014. After leaving Barnsley, Sousa joined Hyde United. During his time at Hyde United, Sousa made 14 appearances and scoring once for the side.
After leaving Hyde United, Sousa moved to Slovenia, joining Celje on 4 August 2015, signing a three-year contract. On 7 August 2015, Sousa made his professional debut with Celje in a Slovenian PrvaLiga match against Gorica, scoring in a 3-2 loss. He then played a vital role when he set up four goals in three matches between 2 December 2015 and 12 December 2015, including twice against ND Gorica, in which they drew 2-2. He then scored his second goal for the club on 19 March 2016, in a 2-1 loss against NK Domžale. He established himself in the first team at Celje and went on to make a total of 29 appearances and scoring once in his first season. However, in the 2016-17 season, Sousa made no appearance for the club and left the club in August 2016. After leaving NK Celje, Sousa enjoyed his time at the club, quoting: "It's a bit different. Language was a bit of a struggle but I started getting used to it and learned a few words myself."
After leaving NK Celje, Sousa returned to England, where he joined Reading on trial, featuring in the club's U23 Development League fixture against Derby County on 26 September. Sousa remained a free agent until he joined Tadcaster Albion on 6 January 2017. He made three appearance and scoring once against Goole on 30 January 2017.
On February 13, 2017, he signed a deal to join Accrington Stanley until the end of the season. This marked Sousas’ return to the English Football League after playing in the Slovenian top flight with NK Celje in 2016. However, Sousa made no appearance for the side and was released from Accrington Stanley on March 21, 2017 following complications regarding registering him as a player.
He signed a new contract with National League side Tranmere Rovers, after manager Micky Mellon was impressed with his ability in the training sessions he had with the club. After missing out four matches, Sousa did not make his Tranmere Rovers debut, coming on as a late second-half substitute, in a 9-0 win over Solihull Moors on 8 April 2017. After making four appearances at the end of the 2016-17 season, Sousa was released by the club.
Accrington Stanley (second spell)
After leaving Tranmere Rovers at the end of the 2016–17 season, Sousa re-joined Accrington Stanley for the second time on 27 June 2017, signing a one-year contract. Érico made his second debut for the club, in a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough's U21 on 19 September 2017 in the Checkatrade Trophy. He then scored his first goal for the club, in a 2-1 loss against Blackpool in the Checkatrade Trophy. A month later, on 7 November 2017, he scored twice in a 4-0 win away to Wigan Athletic U23s in the Checkatrade Trophy. Sousa continued to struggle in the first team at the club, as well as, his own injury concern. Accrington exercised a contractual option at the end of the 2017–18 season to retain him. On 8 October Erico Sousa join Barrow on a short term loan. On 24 June 2020 it was announced Erico Sousa will be leaving Accrington Stanley.
International career
In March 2014, Sousa represented Portugal U19, making his debut in 1-0 win over Qatar U19.
Personal life
Born in Vale da Amoreira, Moita, Portugal, Sousa moved to England when he was 10.
