Rafael Nel

Nel began playing football with the academy of Benfica before moving to Belenenses, and then finishing his development with Sporting CP in 2020. He signed his first professional contract with Sporting on 22 November 2022. He was promoted to Sporting CP B in the Liga 3 for the 2023–24 season. He made his senior and professional debut with the senior Sporting squad in a 3–1 UEFA Europa League win over Young Boys on 15 February 2024. On 13 August 2024, he again extended his contract with Sporting until 2029. On 15 February 2026, Nel made his Primeira Liga debut as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Famalicão. A month later, on 17 March, he scored his first goal in the stoppage time of extra time in a 5–0 win over Bodø/Glimt during the Champions League round of 16. He scored his first senior league goal on 03 April 2026 in stoppage time to seal a 4–2 victory over Santa Clara.

Nel is a youth international for Portugal. He was called up to the Portugal U20s for a set of friendlies in March 2024. Nel scored one of Portugal's goals in a 2–0 victory over Tunisia U20 in the final of the 2026 Maurice Revello Tournament, helping Portugal U20 win the title.