Rafa set to keep 27 at Benfica, a tribute to his brother | OneFootball

Rafa is set to be confirmed by Benfica, and the number 27 remains central to his return. The forward’s insistence on keeping it is rooted in family.

He has stuck with 27 in Portugal and in Türkiye. According to A Bola, he arrived in Lisbon on Wednesday, 21 January, after his private flight from Istanbul was diverted to Humberto Delgado Airport due to strong wind and fog.

Rafa Silva has previously explained that the number represents his family, which he describes as everything to him, and that he wants to keep 27 because it is his brother’s birthday. He made those comments on joining Besiktas.

At Benfica, the path is clear. Bruma has vacated 27, which he had worn for about a year, and is now listed with seven on the Liga website today. He had appeared as 27 on the Rio Ave v Benfica 0-2 teamsheet.

This season with Besiktas, Rafa Silva, valued at five million euros, has played 16 competitive matches, 10 in the Turkish league, four in the Europa Conference League and two in Europa League qualifying. Across 1,360 minutes he has five goals and three assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904