Rafael Cabral

Footballer

▸ Source: Wikidata

Rafael Cabral is a Brazilian professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper.

He began his professional career at Santos F.C., where he played from 2010 to 2013.

In 2013, Rafael transferred to SSC Napoli for €5 million, marking a significant step in his career.

Based on: Wikidata

Biography

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Rafael Cabral Barbosa, commonly known as Rafael, was born in Sorocaba, Brazil. He joined the youth system of Santos F.C. in 2006, where he honed his skills as a goalkeeper. In 2010, he was promoted to the first team but faced a setback when he broke his right leg during a training session, sidelining him for four months. Despite this early challenge, Rafael made his official debut for Santos on June 2, 2010, in a match against Cruzeiro, which ended in a 0–0 draw.

Professional Journey

Rafael's career took a significant turn when he transferred to SSC Napoli on June 28, 2013, for €5 million. He quickly made an impact, debuting in the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal, where he helped secure a 2–0 victory. Throughout his time at Napoli, he became the first-choice goalkeeper under manager Rafael Benítez during the 2014–15 season. In addition to his club success, Rafael represented Brazil at various levels, including a debut for the senior national team in a friendly against the United States on May 30, 2012. He was also called up for the Brazil national under-23 team for the London 2012 Summer Olympics but had to withdraw due to injury.

Achievements and Legacy

Rafael has enjoyed a successful career, winning multiple titles with Santos, including the Copa Libertadores in 2011 and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2012. His time at Napoli also brought him a Coppa Italia title in the 2013–14 season. After his stint in Italy, he continued his career with clubs like U.C. Sampdoria and later moved to Real Salt Lake, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the sport. Rafael's contributions to football have been recognized with individual honors, including being named Reading Player of the Season for the 2019–20 season.

Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed

Wikidata

Gallery

Career & Clubs

International career

Rafael made his debut for Brazil against the United States on 30 May 2012, in a 4–1 win. He was called up to the Brazil national under-23 football team at the London 2012 Summer Olympics but was later replaced due to injury.

▸ Source: Wikipedia

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 13 April 2025

▸ Source: Wikipedia

Club career

Santos

Born in Sorocaba, Rafael joined Santos youth system in 2006. In 2010, he was promoted to the first team, but broke his right leg in a split with the centre back Domingos and sidelined for four months. Rafael played in the second half of the match between Santos and the New York Red Bulls in the United States. It was won by Red Bull by 3–1 but Rafael did not concede a goal, the three goals from New York were scored in the first half, when the goalkeeper was Fábio Costa. His debut in the first team for Santos in an official game took place on 2 June 2010, the match between Santos and Cruzeiro in Mineirão, where the score was 0–0. He took the place of Felipe, who had played all previous 37 matches that season. On 20 August 2012, Rafael Cabral's right eye started bleeding when he collided with Juan Manuel Martínez in a 2012 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A fixture between Santos and Corinthians. He then recovered and was able to continue the game. Santos won the game 3–2.

Napoli

On 28 June 2013, Rafael was sold from Santos to Italian side Napoli. The Azzurri paid €5 million for the Brazilian goalkeeper. Rafael made his UEFA Champions League debut against Arsenal in a group stage match in Naples. Napoli won the match 2–0 and Rafael was able to keep a clean sheet against the English side. Nevertheless, Napoli was unable to advance out of the group stages. He was manager Rafael Benítez's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2014–15 season following the departure…

▸ Source: Wikipedia

Club: Santos F.C. (2010–2013)
Club: SSC Napoli (2013–)
Club: Brazil national under-23 football team (2012–2012)
Club: Brazil men's national football team (2012–2012)
Club: U.C. Sampdoria
League: Major League Soccer
National team: Brazil

Legacy

Honours

Santos

São Paulo State League: 2010, 2011, 2012 Copa do Brasil: 2010 Copa Libertadores: 2011 Recopa Sudamericana: 2012 Napoli

Coppa Italia: 2013–14 Supercoppa Italiana: 2014 Cruzeiro

Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2022 Individual

Reading Player of the Season: 2019–20

▸ Source: Wikipedia

Clubs

Played together with

Discussion

Opinions of fans — not verified facts.

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