Who is Deroy Duarte?

Deroy Duarte is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad. Although born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he represents the Cape Verde national football team through his family heritage.
His calm passing, defensive awareness, and versatility have made him an important player for both club and country.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deroy D’Encarnação Duarte |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthplace | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | PFC Ludogorets Razgrad |
| Jersey Number | 23 |
| National Team | Cape Verde national football team |
Deroy Duarte Goal Record
Unlike attacking midfielders, Duarte’s primary responsibility is controlling the midfield rather than scoring.
His career goal tally has steadily grown throughout his professional journey.
Club Goals
- Jong Sparta Rotterdam – 12 goals
- Sparta Rotterdam – 13 goals in all competitions
- Fortuna Sittard – 4 goals
- Ludogorets Razgrad – continues adding to his tally in Bulgaria
Overall, Duarte has scored around 30 senior club goals across all competitions.
International Goals
For several years, Duarte served mainly as a defensive and possession-oriented midfielder for Cape Verde. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he scored his first international goal, an equalizer against Argentina in the Round of 32, marking a historic moment for Cape Verdean football.
Deroy Duarte Salaris (Salary)
Many supporters frequently search for “Deroy Duarte salaris”, particularly Dutch football fans.
While Ludogorets has not publicly disclosed his wages, football salary databases estimate that Duarte earns approximately:
- Annual Salary: around €300,000
- Weekly salary: approximately €5,700
These figures are estimates rather than official club announcements.
What Position Does Deroy Duarte Play?
Deroy Duarte primarily plays as a:
- Central Midfielder
- Defensive Midfielder
- Attacking Midfielder (occasionally)
His greatest strengths include:
- Ball retention
- Tactical intelligence
- Passing accuracy
- Press resistance
- Defensive positioning
Rather than producing spectacular goals every week, Duarte helps his team dominate possession and transition smoothly between defense and attack.
Deroy Duarte Nationality
One of the most common questions is about Duarte’s nationality.
The answer is slightly unique.
- Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Cape Verdean heritage
- Represents Cape Verde internationally
Although he developed through Dutch football, Duarte chose to play for Cape Verde at senior international level in 2022.
Deroy Duarte’s Brother
Deroy comes from a footballing family.
His older brother is Laros Duarte, who is also a professional midfielder.
Like Deroy, Laros:
- Was born in Rotterdam
- Developed in Dutch football
- Represents Cape Verde internationally
The two brothers have often been praised for their technical style and football intelligence.
Club Career
Sparta Rotterdam
Deroy spent most of his youth career at Sparta Rotterdam before making his professional debut in 2017.
He gradually became an important first-team player and helped Sparta compete in the Eredivisie after promotion.
During his time at Sparta:
- More than 100 league appearances
- Established himself as a reliable midfielder
- Developed into an Eredivisie regular
Fortuna Sittard
In 2021, Duarte joined Fortuna Sittard on a free transfer.
At Fortuna, he:
- Became a regular starter
- Improved defensively
- Added more experience in the Eredivisie
Across three seasons, he made nearly 90 league appearances and scored four goals.
Ludogorets Razgrad
In 2024, Duarte signed with Ludogorets Razgrad, one of Bulgaria’s most successful clubs.
His move allowed him to:
- Compete in European competitions
- Play UEFA Champions League football
- Win domestic trophies
- Increase his international profile
He remains under contract through 2028.
International Career
Deroy made his Cape Verde debut in 2022.
Since then he has become an important member of the national squad, helping the team compete in:
- Africa Cup of Nations
- FIFA World Cup qualification
- International friendlies
- FIFA World Cup 2026
His calm style complements Cape Verde’s technically gifted midfield.
Playing Style
Duarte is not known for flashy skills or frequent goals.
Instead, coaches value him because he:
- Reads the game well
- Wins possession
- Controls tempo
- Makes intelligent passes
- Maintains high passing accuracy
His consistency has made him one of Cape Verde’s most trusted midfielders.
Career Statistics (Senior)
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Jong Sparta | 32 | 12 |
| Sparta Rotterdam | 115 | 13 |
| Fortuna Sittard | 92 | 4 |
| Ludogorets | 90+ | 3+ |
Statistics are current as of mid-2026 and may change with ongoing competitions.
Market Value
According to recent football market estimates:
- Estimated market value: €1.8 million
- Contract expires: June 2028
His value reflects his experience in European leagues and international football.
Interesting Facts
- Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Represents Cape Verde internationally.
- Younger brother of Laros Duarte.
- Developed in Sparta Rotterdam’s academy.
- Plays primarily as a central midfielder.
- Has featured in UEFA club competitions with Ludogorets.
- Scored his first international goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FAQs
Who is Deroy Duarte?
Deroy Duarte is a professional football midfielder who plays for Ludogorets Razgrad and the Cape Verde national team.
What position does Deroy Duarte play?
He mainly plays as a central midfielder but can also operate as a defensive or attacking midfielder.
What is Deroy Duarte’s nationality?
He was born in the Netherlands but represents Cape Verde internationally through his family heritage.
Who is Deroy Duarte’s brother?
His older brother is fellow professional footballer Laros Duarte.
What is Deroy Duarte’s salary?
His estimated annual salary at Ludogorets is around €300,000, though the club has not officially confirmed the figure.
Which club does Deroy Duarte play for?
He currently plays for Ludogorets Razgrad in the Bulgarian First League.
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