Rafael Defendi

Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi (born 22 December 1983) is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Farense in Liga Portugal 2.

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Tonioli and the second or paternal family name is Defendi.
Rafael Defendi
Personal information
Full name Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi
Date of birth (1983-12-22) 22 December 1983
Place of birth Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Farense
Number 12
Youth career
2001 Botafogo
2003 Santos
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2006 Flamengo
2007 Flamengo
2007 Grêmio Anápolis
2007−2008 Aves 6 (0)
2008 Grêmio Anápolis
2009 Sertãozinho
2009−2010 Mirassol 2 (0)
2010−2011 Bragantino 2 (0)
2011−2012 Audax 5 (0)
2012 Monte Azul
2013−2014 Bragantino 13 (0)
2014–2018 Paços de Ferreira 78 (0)
2018–2020 Famalicão 40 (0)
2020– Farense 53 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 25 June 2023

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]

References
  1. "Desp. Aves 1-2 Olhanense". Footballzz. 18 August 2007. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  2. "Rafael Defendi acerta com time português e Bragantino contrata substituto" [Rafael Defendi signs with Portuguese team, Bragatino hires replacement]. esporte.ig.com.br (in Portuguese). 18 July 2014.
  3. "Rafael Defendi será titular" [Rafael Defendi will be the starter goalkeeper]. Record (in Portuguese). 15 August 2014.
  4. "Rafael Defendi assina pelo Famalicão até 2020" [Rafael Defendi signs for Famalicão until 2020]. Record (in Portuguese). 9 July 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  5. "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]. Diário de Notícias (in Portuguese). 3 March 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  6. "Rafael Defendi, goleiro até no sobrenome" [Rafael Defendi, a Goalkeeper even in its name]. Verminosos por Futebol (in Portuguese). 2 August 2014.
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