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In the same category as Thiago Santos at Sporting
Rafael Tavares Gomes Fernandez was born on June 28, 2002 in Setubal, near Lisbon, and trained at the Sporting Lisbon Academy, one of the most famous academies in Portugal. From the youth teams to the reserve teams, Rafael appeared in the green and white striped shirt, alongside Thiago Santos, from the same 2002 generation as him. In 2022, he notably reached the quarter-finals of the Youth League, the equivalent of the U-19 Champions League.
From an optimistic player to a top player in just a few months
Ready and eager to move to the next level and settle into the heart of defense in the Primera Division, in the summer of 2022 he chose to leave Sporting Lisbon to join FC Arauca, one of the elite residents. The Portuguese player will play his first professional minutes there as part of the team’s surprise for this season, the fifth in the Portuguese League 2022-2023. Little by little, he established himself as a key player in the team, as he participated in 14 matches (including 11 as a starter) in all competitions since the beginning of the 2023-2024 financial year. His rise in strength in defense of the current ninth place in the Portuguese League confirms the potential that was predicted in him since his younger years.
Portuguese U16 international to Espoors
Because Rafael Fernandes is considered one of the most promising defenders of his generation. He was called up to the national team at all age groups, from U-16 to Espoors. Last October he became the first player in Arauca's history to join the Portuguese team Espoors. A physical player who does well in duels and aerial play, he is also an energetic and quick centre-back (right-handed). It has room for improvement and high development potential. It is not surprising that it appears on the shelves of many European teams. Ultimately, the player will take the next steps in his development at LOSC, at a club known for its ability to develop young talent, especially Portuguese.
At 21 years old, Rafael Fernandes comes in to enrich Lille's defence. We wish him the best welcome, the best progress and the greatest success among Mastiffs.
Hi Rafael!
