How is Rafael getting on since leaving Reading FC? | OneFootball

Rafael Cabral was an extremely popular figure at Reading during his first campaign at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Arriving on a free transfer in August 2019, his presence was much-needed with Joao Virginia struggling considerably at that point, suffering howlers against the likes of Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers during the early stages of the 2019/20 season.

Making his debut against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, his penalty saves set the tone for what was a successful first term in Berkshire, making match-winning saves and playing a big part in keeping the club afloat in the division.

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A safe pair of hands had been needed since Ali Al-Habsi’s departure in 2017 and the Brazilian looked as though he would be the former Oman international’s long-term successor as a reliable stopper.

Despite the Royals’ upturn in fortunes at the start of the 2020/21 campaign though, the goalkeeper’s performance levels declined under Veljko Paunovic, making errors against the likes of Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth.

He remained their first-choice keeper for the remainder of that season though – and continued to be a starter until he suffered an injury during the early stages of last season following their 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers.

That wasn’t too much of a blow for the Berkshire outfit considering he didn’t impress from the start of 2021/22 up to that point, with Luke Southwood coming in and taking his position.

And academy graduate Southwood kept him out of the starting lineup for the remainder of his time in Berkshire, with the Brazilian’s final appearance coming in a humiliating 2-1 FA Cup defeat against non-league side Kidderminster Harriers in January of this year. He was at fault for the equaliser – and it was a sad way for him to end his time with the second-tier side.

Later that month, he agreed to terminate his contract and returned to his home nation with Cruzeiro, who ply their trade in the second tier of Brazilian football.

That’s where he remains to this day – and he has been one of the first names on the teamsheet there with 48 competitive appearances under his belt for the club already – an impressive total considering he only joined in January.

He has conceded at a rate of just 0.75 goals per game and kept 23 clean sheets in the process – but it’s currently unclear whether his side will be able to hold on to him beyond this season with the 32-year-old coy on his future.