Lino Sousa joined Bristol Rovers on loan from Premier League team Aston Villa for the 2024/25 season.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Sousa and his family moved to England when he was eight-years old, with the defender joining the West Bromwich Albion academy.

At just 16-years old, he featured in the U18s team that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals during the 2020/21 campaign, before signing for Premier League club Arsenal in January 2022.

Sousa impressed the Arsenal set-up with his talent and tenacity, and the young defender was rewarded with his first inclusion in a Premier League matchday squad, against Brentford, in September 2022.

The full-back was a consistent figure in the Gunners’ U23s side before joining Aston Villa in February 2024. Sousa was then immediately loaned to Sky Bet Championship side Plymouth Argyle, making his debut two days later in a 1-0 win over Swansea City.

Sousa would end the 2023/24 campaign with eight league appearances for Argyle.

In international football, Sousa is eligible to play for his home country Portugal but has represented England at youth level.

The defender made his England U19s debut in September 2023, in a 1-0 defeat to Germany, having previously represented the U18s the year prior.