Rafael was a member of the
Brazil under-20 national team. He joined
1860 Munich from
Ypiranga ahead of the 2002–03 season, having previously played for Brazilian lower-league clubs. He made five appearances in the
Bundesliga. 1860 Munich did not take up the option to extend his contract. After a year at
1. FC Nürnberg, where he made two
2. Bundesliga appearances, he returned to Brazil with
Paulista. ==References==