Rafael Lopes

Club career Portugal Born in Esposende, Braga District, Lopes started his senior career with Varzim S.C. in the Segunda Liga. In the summer of 2011 he moved to the Primeira Liga after joining Vitória FC, making his debut in the competition on 9 September when he came on as a late substitute in a 3–0 away loss against FC Porto. He scored his first goal for his new club on 18 December, helping to a 1–1 draw at C.D. Nacional.

In the 2013 off-season, after failing to find the net for Moreirense F.C. in 21 bench appearances and suffering top-flight relegation, Lopes returned to division two with F.C. Penafiel. He moved back to the top tier the following winter transfer window, signing for Académica de Coimbra until June 2016.

On 20 June 2016, after another relegation, Lopes stayed in the league on a one-year contract at G.D. Chaves. Two of his league goals during the campaign came in consecutive 2–2 draws in early January 2017, against Rio Ave F.C. and Sporting CP.

Omonia On 10 July 2017, Lopes agreed to a two-year deal with AC Omonia from the Cypriot First Division. He made his debut on 10 September in the season opener, a 2–1 home win against Ethnikos Achna FC.

Return to Portugal and Poland Lopes returned to his homeland in July 2018, joining Boavista F.C. on a one-year contract. He scored just three times during his spell at the Estádio do Bessa, once in the fourth round of the Taça de Portugal to help dispose of hosts S.C. Espinho 4–0.

On 29 May 2019, Lopes moved to the Ekstraklasa by signing a two-year deal with KS Cracovia. He netted a career-best 12 goals in his only season, also helping the club to win its first-ever Polish Cup after beating Lechia Gdańsk 3–2 in extra time.

Lopes joined Legia Warsaw for 2020–21. He contributed four goals during that campaign for the champions.

Later career On 10 July 2022, Lopes signed for two seasons with AEK Larnaca FC from Cyprus. In summer 2024, the 33-year-old joined fellow top-division Anorthosis Famagusta FC on a contract of the same duration.

International career Lopes was part of the Portugal squad at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He played four matches in the tournament held in Colombia, in an eventual runner-up finish.

Honours Cracovia Polish Cup: 2019–20

Portugal U20 FIFA U-20 World Cup runner-up: 2011