Rafael Carioca

Grêmio

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Rafael Carioca joined Grêmio's youth setup in 2006, from Profute. Promoted to the first team after captaining the under-20 side in the 2008 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior by Vágner Mancini, he was subsequently relegated back to the youth sides, as the manager complained about his attitude. Promoted back to the main squad in March 2008 by new manager Celso Roth, Rafael Carioca made his first team debut on 26 March, coming on as a substitute for Nunes in a 4–1 Campeonato Gaúcho away routing of 15 de Novembro. He made his Série A debut on 10 May, starting in a 1–0 away win against São Paulo, and finished the campaign as a first-choice in the central midfield, creating a strong partnership with William Magrão and appearing in 34 matches.

Spartak Moscow

In December 2008, Rafael Carioca joined Russian club Spartak Moscow on a five-year contract. He made his debut abroad on 15 March, starting in a 1–1 home draw against Zenit Saint Petersburg. Rafael Carioca spent the 2010 season on loan at Vasco da Gama, being an undisputed starter. Upon returning, he also became a first-choice, and scored his first professional goal on 6 May 2012, netting the winner in a 3–2 away defeat of Zenit.

Atlético Mineiro

On 13 August 2014, Rafael Carioca returned to his home country after being presented at Atlético Mineiro, agreeing to a year-long loan deal. Upon arriving, he became a first-choice player in Atlético's team that went on to win…

In 2007, Rafael Carioca captained the Brazil under-20 side and featured in the Sendai Cup for the under-18s in the same year, but was an unused substitute in the tournament. He received his first international call-up for the senior squad on 22 August 2016, for matches against Ecuador and Colombia.

As of match played 2 November 2024

Atlético Mineiro

Copa do Brasil: 2014 Campeonato Mineiro: 2015, 2017 Tigres UANL

Liga MX: Apertura 2017, Clausura 2019, Clausura 2023 Campeón de Campeones: 2018, 2023 CONCACAF Champions League: 2020 Campeones Cup: 2018, 2023 Individual

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2015 CONCACAF Champions League Team of the Tournament: 2019