Rafael Tolói is an Italian association football player known for his role as a centre-back.
He was honored as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contributions to football.
Tolói began his professional career with Goiás Esporte Clube, where he helped the team win the Campeonato Goiano in 2009.
Biography
Early Life
Rafael Tolói was born in Glória d'Oeste, Mato Grosso, Brazil, where he began his journey in football. He started his professional career with Goiás Esporte Clube in 2007, quickly making a name for himself as a promising centre-back. His early contributions helped the team secure the Campeonato Goiano title in 2009, and he played a pivotal role in reaching the finals of the 2010 Copa Sudamericana.
Club Career
In 2012, Tolói signed with São Paulo FC, where he continued to develop his skills and made an immediate impact by scoring his first goal shortly after joining. His time at São Paulo was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Eusébio Cup in 2013. A loan to AS Roma in 2014 allowed him to experience Serie A football, where he made his debut against Torino. In 2015, he transferred to Atalanta BC, where he has been a key player, contributing both defensively and offensively, including scoring in UEFA competitions.
International Career
Tolói initially represented Brazil at the under-20 level, winning the South American Championship and finishing as a runner-up in the World Cup in 2009. In 2021, he switched allegiance to Italy after fulfilling FIFA's eligibility requirements, making his debut in a World Cup qualifier. He was part of the Italian squad that won UEFA Euro 2020, showcasing his ability on an international stage and solidifying his reputation as a top defender.
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Career & Clubs
Goiás
Born in Glória d'Oeste, Mato Grosso, he started playing for Goiás Esporte Clube in 2008, and helped his club win the Campeonato Goiano in 2009. Tolói played 17 Série B games for Goiás and scored two goals. He reached the 2010 Copa Sudamericana finals with the green team.
São Paulo
On 5 July 2012, São Paulo confirmed Tolói in their squad, with the defender signing a five-year contract. He scored his first goal for São Paulo on 25 July 2012 in a match against Atlético Goianiense. On 3 August 2013, Tolói scored the goal that confirmed the title of Eusébio Cup for São Paulo FC, in a 2–0 victory against S.L. Benfica.
Loan to Roma
On 31 January 2014, Tolói was loaned to Serie A side AS Roma for the remainder of the 2013–14 season for a fee of €500,000. The move was agreed with an option to buy for a total value of €5.5 million. He made his debut for the Giallorossi in their 2–1 win against Torino on 25 March 2014, playing the full 90 minutes in place of the suspended Medhi Benatia.
Atalanta
On 26 August 2015, Tolói was signed by Atalanta for a €3.5 million transfer fee. He made his debut on 13 September, in a 2–2 league draw at Sassuolo, replacing Gianpaolo Bellini in the 80th minute. In his second match, eleven days later, he started and scored the sole goal, settling a 1–0 league win at Empoli. On 22 February 2018, Tolói scored for the first time in a UEFA competition, against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League round of 32. The…
Tolói represented Brazil at the under-20 level, winning the South American Championship and placing second in the World Cup in 2009. Having satisfied its eligibility rules by possessing Italian citizenship, residing in Italy for five years, and never representing Brazil at the senior level, FIFA approved Tolói's switch of international allegiance to Italy on 17 February 2021. He was subsequently named to the Italian squad by manager Roberto Mancini on March 19, 2021, and made his debut on the 31st in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, playing the entire match in a 2–0 away victory. On 1 June 2021, Tolói was named by manager Roberto Mancini in the 26-man Italy squad for the UEFA Euro 2020. In Italy's second group match on 16 June, he made his first appearance of the tournament, coming on as a second-half substitute for Domenico Berardi, and setting up Ciro Immobile's goal in a 3–0 win over Switzerland, which allowed Italy to advance to the round of 16. On 11 July, Tolói won the European Championship with Italy following a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory over England at Wembley Stadium in the final, after a 1–1 draw in extra-time.
Tolói is a physically strong defender, who is mainly known for his anticipation. Although usually a centre-back, he is also capable of playing as a right-back, and is known for his ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.
Club
As of match played 22 July 2026
International
As of match played 18 June 2023
- Club
- AS Roma (2014–2014)
- Club
- São Paulo FC (2012–2015)
- Club
- Goiás Esporte Clube (2009–2012)
- Club
- Atalanta BC (2015–)
- Club
- Brazil national under-20 football team (2009–2009)
- Club
- Goiás Esporte Clube (2007–2009)
- National team
- Brazil
- National team
- Italy
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Clubs
Played together with
Abdoulay KonkoAtalanta BC
Abel BalboAS Roma · 1993–1998- Abel BalboAS Roma · 2000–2002
- Abel XavierAS Roma · 2004–2005
- Abel XavierAS Roma · 2005–2005
- Abner Felipe Souza de AlmeidaBrazil national under-20 football team · 2014–2014
- Adaílton José dos Santos FilhoBrazil national under-20 football team · 2003–2003
Adaílton Martins BolzanBrazil national under-20 football team · 1997–1997
Adem LjajićAS Roma · 2013–2015
Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorBrazil national under-20 football team · 2012–2013- Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorSão Paulo FC · 2012
Ademola LookmanAtalanta BC · 2022–2026
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Rafael Tolói is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club São Paulo. Born in Brazil, he represented the Italy national team.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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