Rafael Barbosa

Tondela On 18 August 2020, Barbosa signed a three-year contract with C.D. Tondela. On 23 October, he scored in a 1–0 home victory over Portimonense for his first goal in the top tier.

Farense On 26 June 2023, the free agent Barbosa joined recently-promoted S.C. Farense on a two-year deal. He scored his first goal for them on 12 November, netting from outside the penalty area in a 3–1 league win at Boavista; the strike was later considered the Primeira Liga Goal of the Month for October/November.

Radomiak Radom On 15 January 2025, Barbosa moved abroad for the first time after agreeing to an eighteen-month contract with Polish Ekstraklasa side Radomiak Radom. He scored once and provided one assist during his tenure, leaving by mutual consent on 18 June.

AVS On 4 July 2025, Barbosa returned to Portugal on a two-year deal at top-division AVS Futebol SAD. During a brief spell, he totalled 16 appearances and two goals.

Later career Barbosa transferred to second-division club Leixões S.C. on 3 February 2026, for free.

International career Barbosa won his only cap for the Portugal under-21 team on 5 September 2017, replacing Benfica's João Carvalho early into the second half of a 2–0 home defeat of Wales in the 2019 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Career statistics

Honours Paços de Ferreira Segunda Liga: 2018–19