The goalkeeper Rafael It was fundamental in the classification of São Paulo for the quarterfinals of Libertadores. This is because he was a determining piece in the goalless draw in Medellin, House of Atletico Nacional. It was also important in the penalty shootout after 1-1 at Morumbis, defending Atletico Nacional’s first penalty on Tuesday.
In Conmebol Libertadores round of 16, the goalkeeper defended an Edwin Cardona penalty.
Absolute holder of the tricolor goal, Rafael is the team captain and has a contract with São Paulo until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension for another season in case of meeting goals. The renewal was made in March 2025, as the old contract only went until the end of this season.
With Jandrei’s loan to Youth, Rafael is the most experienced goalkeeper of the cast, as Young, 23, and Leandro, 21, did not even play for the professional team.
Rafael: Market value
At the age of 36, Rafael starts in São Paulo and according to Transfermarkt, a reference site in the transfer market, is valued at a current value of €500 mil (R $ 3.21 million approximately).
The goalkeeper has 41 games this season. Rafael arrived in São Paulo in 2023, after three seasons at Atletico-MG. In 2023, the athlete played 66 games and the following year, 51.
Last games of São Paulo
- 08/19 – São Paulo 1 (4 x 3) 1 Atletico Nacional – Libertadores
- 08/16 – Sport 2 x 2 São Paulo – Brazilian Championship
- 12/08 – Atletico Nacional 0 x 0 São Paulo – Libertadores
- 08/09 – São Paulo 2 x 0 Vitória – Brazilian Championship
- 08/08 – Athletico -PR 1 (3) x 0 (0) São Paulo – Copa do Brasil
