Rafael Albuquerque (footballer)


Rafael de Sousa Albuquerque, known simply as Rafael, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper.

Football career

Born in Hamburg, Germany to Portuguese parents, Rafael joined FC Porto's youth system in 2001, aged only 9, remaining with the club for a further nine years. He played his last year as a junior with another northern team, Rio Ave FC.
Rafael was promoted to the Vila do Conde side's first team for the 2011–12 season, acting as third-choice behind Paulo Santos and Huanderson. On 6 November 2011 he made his Primeira Liga debut, replacing the latter due to injury in the 45th minute of a home fixture against C.D. Nacional.