Rafael ends the season as São Paulo’s standout in a disappointing year | OneFootball

Rafael wrapped up his third season as São Paulo’s starting goalkeeper amid one of the club’s most disappointing years in recent times. The team struggled with inconsistent performances, eliminations, an endless string of injuries, and also faced serious financial difficulties. Even in this turbulent scenario, the goalkeeper managed to stay above criticism and finished 2025 as one of the most consistent players in the tricolor squad.

To gauge his importance, out of the 66 matches played by São Paulo during the year, Rafael was on the field for 59 of them (totaling 5,224 minutes) and ended as the player with the most appearances of the season. Only Luciano, with 56 matches, came close.

The workload was heavy. The tricolor’s defensive system showed flaws throughout the year, leaving the team exposed in several matches and making it easier for opponents to attack. This is reflected in Rafael’s numbers, as he conceded 57 goals, an average of 0.97 per game. Even so, his performances were crucial in preventing even greater damage.

Standout in the Libertadores

Photo: Rubens Chiri, Nilton Fukuda and Paulo Pinto/Saopaulofc

Rafael’s main performance in 2025 came in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16, against Atlético Nacional. In the second half, he made an impressive save that prevented the Colombians from scoring the equalizer at that moment.

The opponent did manage to level the score later, taking the decision to penalties, but Rafael was decisive again by saving the first spot-kick. São Paulo won 4-3 and advanced, with the goalkeeper leaving Morumbis to a standing ovation as one of the heroes of the qualification.

The sending off in the Copa do Brasil

Photo: Rubens Chiri/Saopaulofc.net

The most controversial episode of the season for Rafael happened in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, against Athletico-PR. Just three minutes in, he was sent off after committing a foul on Viveros, who would have gone one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

With a man down, São Paulo, who had won the first leg 1-0, had to close ranks and ended up conceding the equalizer. In the penalty shootout, Jandrei, who replaced Rafael, couldn’t save any shots, while his teammates missed all their attempts. Athletico advanced 3-0.

Despite the setbacks, it’s undeniable that Rafael is far from being a problem for São Paulo, which already has several others to solve. On the contrary: he is by far the most successful goalkeeper to play for the club since Rogério Ceni’s retirement and proved it once again this season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.