Rafael Cabral attends Santos 3-1 win and meets Gabriel Brazão at Vila Belmiro | OneFootball

Rafael Cabral attended Santos’ 3-1 win over Vitória at Vila Belmiro in round 18 of the Brasileirão, then greeted first-choice keeper Gabriel Brazão at full-time. The pair chatted on the pitch and posed for a photo.

Zé Love and Madson, from the club’s Libertadores treble era, also watched from the lower boxes. According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos secured a suspensive ruling that let Brazão play despite a four-match STJD ban for remarks about refereeing, and the club plan to sell him in the next window to generate income.

Earlier in the week he had been set to miss even the Sudamericana tie against Cuenca as the board looked to protect him. After a poor reaction, the decision was reversed and he went on to save a penalty in that match.

Brazão delivered a pointed message in his post-match interview and now awaits clarity on his future during the calendar break.

Rafael nearly returned in 2024 to compete with Brazão, but a loan move was rejected by the hierarchy. A youth product and a standout in 2011, he made 190 appearances, working under goalkeeping coach Arzul. His honours include the Libertadores, the Paulista in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the 2010 Copa do Brasil and the 2012 Recopa Sudamericana.

Source: Diario Do Peixe