Rafael Profini

Rafael Profini (born 9 September 2003) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or central defender for Ukrainian Premier League club Kharkiv.

Early life Born in San José de la Esquina in the Santa Fe Province, Argentina, Profini began playing youth football locally with Centenario MSDyB. He had a brief stint in the youth academy of Newell's Old Boys before returning to his hometown to join Belgrano.

In 2020, after successfully passing a trial, he joined the youth system of Unión de Santa Fe.

Career

Unión de Santa Fe By 2023, Profini began playing for Unión de Santa Fe's reserve team. Within six months, manager Kily González promoted him to first-team training. Although he did not play official first-team minutes in late 2023, he frequently made the substitutes' bench and started in the match where Unión's squad won the regional Copa Santa Fe. On 29 December 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

Profini made his official professional debut during the 2024 season, appearing in a 1–0 home victory over Atlético Tucumán. In early 2025, he was converted from a central defender into a defensive midfielder by manager Kily González. He excelled in this new role, consolidating himself as a key starter. Over his entire tenure with the senior squad, he made 60 total appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal.

Kharkiv On 30 June 2026, Ukrainian Premier League club Kharkiv announced the permanent signing of Profini on a three-year contract. The transfer fee was reported to be approximately €3 million. Upon his arrival, he was assigned the number 6 shirt and became the first Argentine player in the club's history.

Honours Unión de Santa Fe Copa Santa Fe: 2023