In 2011, Rafael Gladiador signed for Bahia's first team from its reserve squad. In 36 appearances for Bahia he scored 10 goals. On 9 January 2013, it was announced that he would join D.C. United as a
young designated player on a one-year loan with a pre-negotiated option to make the move permanent. He scored his first goal for the team in his debut game on 23 March, a 2–1 home defeat to the
Columbus Crew. After making four more appearances with United, Rafael suffered a concussion during training. Rafael Gladiador and DC agreed to part ways in June 2013. In July 2015, Rafael Gladiador transferred to
China League One side
Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard. On 5 July 2019, Rafael Gladiador signed with
Paços de Ferreira after a stint in Brazil with
Cabofriense. However, he didn't play any games for the club, before he returned to Brazil, signing with
Patrocinense in December 2019. In August 2020, he moved to
Sociedade Esportiva Juventude. Rafael joined
Palmas ahead of the
2021 Campeonato Tocantinense. ==International career==