Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that Ruben Soares-Junior has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2025/26 season.

Ruben signed for Dover last season and was instrumental in our promotion success. He scored 25 goals and got 13 assists in all competitions, receiving Manager’s Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season. Before joining Dover Athletic Ruben played for Billericay and local rivals Folkestone Invicta. He’s previously featured for Tonbridge Angels, playing 37 National League South games – scoring 7 goals. His former clubs also include Scottish Championship side Queen of the South.

Jake Leberl has said:

“Absolutely delighted that Ruben is staying with us for another season. He played a huge part in our success, and I genuinely don’t think it could have worked out better for either side. We had a forward with every attribute you could ask for, a great personality, and a natural leader who everyone loves having around — while we gave him a platform to feel at home, valued and respected, and to consistently showcase his talent, which he certainly did.

For him to re-sign, especially with the interest he rightly received from elsewhere, shows just how far we’ve come in such a short space of time. But it also highlights the importance of continuing to grow and push on — to become an established National League club once again, capable of retaining and attracting players of Ruben’s quality and stature.

Huge thanks to the Chairman and the handful of local sponsors who stepped up to help make this happen — even though they’ve chosen to remain anonymous, their support has been vital.”

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2025/26 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.