Rafael Pires
Rafael Pires Monteiro (born 23 June 1989 in Coronel Fabriciano), known simply as Rafael, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Atlético Mineiro.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Rafael Pires Monteiro | ||
Date of birth | 22 June 1989 | ||
Place of birth | Coronel Fabriciano, Brazil | ||
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||
Playing position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
Club information | |||
Current team | Atlético Mineiro | ||
Number | 32 | ||
Youth career | |||
2002–2008 | Cruzeiro | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2008–2020 | Cruzeiro | 76 | (0) |
2020– | Atlético Mineiro | 4 | (0) |
National team | |||
2009 | Brazil U20 | 14 | (0) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:06, 2 August 2020 (UTC) |
Club career
In 2011 Rafael served as the goalkeeper for one of the most famous Clássico Mineiro derbies, in which Cruzeiro beat rivals Atlético Mineiro by 6x1 in the last round of that year's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
During Cruzeiro's 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A campaign, Rafael served as the team's main goalkeeper, after the team's captain and first goalie, Fábio was sidelined for 9 months with an injury. Rafael quickly showed he was more than worthy of that position, being recognized by fans for being as good as Fábio. During the first months of 2017, Rafael and Fábio battled for the first goalie spot, with Rafael playing for most of the 2017 Campeonato Mineiro.
On 3 March 2020, Rafael joined Atlético Mineiro on a three-year deal.[1]
Honours
- Cruzeiro
- Campeonato Mineiro: 2009, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2013, 2014
- Copa do Brasil: 2017, 2018
- Brazil U20
- South American Youth Championship: 2009
References
- "Galo contrata o goleiro Rafael" (in Portuguese). Clube Atlético Mineiro. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.