Rafael Aparecido de Paulo Tavares

Rafael Aparecido de Paulo Tavares (born 27 December 1990) is a Brazilian footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Amazonas.

Career Tavares was born in São Manuel, São Paulo, and was a São Paulo FC youth graduate. He served loan stints at Sertãozinho and Marília in the 2010 season, before being presented at Luverdense for the 2011 Série C in May of that year.

After being a regular starter for LEC, Tavares signed for Goiás and was immediately loaned to Aparecidense in December 2013. On 24 April 2014, he was loaned out to Paysandu.

On 25 September 2014, Tavares was announced at América de Natal, but featured only once and returned to Luverdense on 6 December. In the following three seasons, he represented Avenida, Rio Branco-PR, ASA, Linense (two stints) and Rio Claro.

On 10 December 2018, Tavares was announced at São José-RS. Regularly used by the club, he moved on loan to Mirassol on 4 December 2020, and helped the side to win the 2020 Série D before leaving on 24 February 2021.

On 10 May 2021, Tavares was presented at Botafogo-SP. On 12 April 2022, he agreed to a deal with Amazonas, and was the top goalscorer in the year's Série D as they achieved promotion.

On 27 December 2023, after establishing himself as the top goalscorer of Amazonas' history and achieving a second consecutive promotion, Tavares renewed his contract with the club.

Career statistics

Honours Mirassol Campeonato Brasileiro Série D: 2020

Amazonas Campeonato Amazonense: 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro Série C: 2023