Rafael Santos

Rafael "Rafa" Vicente Ferreira Santos (born 14 February 1997) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Maltese Premier League club Birkirkara.

Club career Santos is a youth product of Flamengo, Estoril, Real SC, Oeiras and Casa Pia. He spent most of his early career in the Campeonato de Portugal . He began his senior career with Moura, and followed that with stints at Olímpico Montijo, Amora Fátima, and Oriental. On 19 June 2019, he signed a three-year contract with Belenenses SAD in the Primeira Liga. Santos was called to the senior team after a COVID-19 outbreak hit the squad. One of only 9 starters in the squad for the match, he made his professional debut with B-SAD in a 7–0 Primeira Liga loss to Benfica on 24 July 2021 that ended up being called off.

On 14 July 2023, Ekstraklasa side Stal Mielec announced the signing of Santos on a two-year deal, with an option for another year. He and Stal agreed to part ways on 6 September 2024.

In October 2024, Santos signed with Bahraini side Al-Shabab Club. He made 16 appearances and scored twice for Al-Shabab across the 2024–25 season.

On 1 August 2025, Santos returned to Poland to join I liga club Górnik Łęczna on a two-year contract.

On 1 July 2026, Santos signed with Maltese Premier League side Birkirkara.