Rafael Defendi Explained

Rafael Defendi
Fullname:Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi
Birth Date:22 December 1983
Birth Place:Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Position:Goalkeeper
Currentclub:Vila Meã
Clubnumber:1
Youthyears1:2001
Youthclubs1:Botafogo
Youthyears2:2003
Youthclubs2:Santos
Years1:2004–2006
Clubs1:Flamengo
Years2:2007
Clubs2:Flamengo
Years3:2007
Clubs3:Grêmio Anápolis
Years4:2007−2008
Clubs4:Aves
Caps4:6
Goals4:0
Years5:2008
Clubs5:Grêmio Anápolis
Years6:2009
Clubs6:Sertãozinho
Years7:2009−2010
Clubs7:Mirassol
Caps7:2
Goals7:0
Years8:2010−2011
Clubs8:Bragantino
Caps8:2
Goals8:0
Years9:2011−2012
Clubs9:Audax
Caps9:5
Goals9:0
Years10:2012
Clubs10:Monte Azul
Years11:2013−2014
Clubs11:Bragantino
Caps11:13
Goals11:0
Years12:2014–2018
Clubs12:Paços de Ferreira
Caps12:78
Goals12:0
Years13:2018–2020
Clubs13:Famalicão
Caps13:40
Goals13:0
Years14:2020–2023
Clubs14:Farense
Caps14:53
Goals14:0
Pcupdate:18:24, 7 November 2023 (UTC)
Years15:2023–
Clubs15:Vila Meã
Caps15:1
Goals15:0

Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi (born 22 December 1983) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Campeonato de Portugal club Vila Meã.

Career

Born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Defendi passed through Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas and Santos F.C. youth systems, in his early career. In 2007, he made his first move abroad and joined C.D. Aves, making his professional debut on 18 August 2007 in a 2–1 home loss against S.C. Olhanense.[1] He only added six league appearances throughout the season before returning to Brazil.

After several years in his home country, mostly at the regional level, in July 2014, Defendi returned to Portugal, joining Paços de Ferreira,[2] [3] being first choice most of the season, battling with António Filipe for the position.

On 9 July 2018, Defendi signed a two-year deal with LigaPro side F.C. Famalicão.[4] He played all but one game in his first season as they finished runners-up and were promoted to the top flight after a 25-year absence; on 3 March 2019 he and Capela were sent off in a 1–1 home draw with FC Porto B.[5]

Personal life

He is the older brother of Rodrigo Defendi, also a professional footballer.[6]

Notes and References

  1. News: Desp. Aves 1-2 Olhanense. 15 September 2014. Footballzz. 18 August 2007.
  2. News: Rafael Defendi acerta com time português e Bragantino contrata substituto. Rafael Defendi signs with Portuguese team, Bragatino hires replacement. esporte.ig.com.br. 18 July 2014. Portuguese.
  3. News: Rafael Defendi será titular. Rafael Defendi will be the starter goalkeeper. Record. 15 August 2014. Portuguese.
  4. News: Rafael Defendi assina pelo Famalicão até 2020. Rafael Defendi signs for Famalicão until 2020 . 8 September 2019 . Record . 9 July 2018 . Portuguese.
  5. News: Famalicão atrasa-se ao empatar com FC Porto B num jogo em que acabou com nove. Famalicão hold on to a draw with FC Porto in a match that ended with nine . 8 September 2019 . Diário de Notícias . 3 March 2019 . Portuguese.
  6. News: Rafael Defendi, goleiro até no sobrenome. Rafael Defendi, a Goalkeeper even in its name. Verminosos por Futebol. 2 August 2014. Portuguese.