Sao Paulo’s captain calls time on a dream run | OneFootball

Sao Paulo captain Rafinha has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a decorated stint with the club that included leading them to the Copa do Brasil title in 2023 and the Supercopa Rei in 2024, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. The right-back made the announcement on Monday during an appearance on the Sportv program.

Rafinha, whose full name is Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza, joined Sao Paulo in 2022 and quickly became a fixture in the squad, not only as a reliable presence on the pitch but also as a leader in the dressing room. Over three seasons, he made 117 appearances in all competitions while wearing the Tricolor’s shirt—a period marked by stability and significant collective achievement.

The club paid tribute to their departing captain, recognizing the significance of his contributions both in terms of silverware and his leadership. “Obrigado por tudo, Rafinha! Our captain in the Copa do Brasil 2023 and Supercopa Rei 2024 triumphs, Rafinha announced his retirement on July 21, 2025. A Sao Paulo supporter at heart, he fulfilled his dream of playing for the team from 2022 to 2024, giving his all across 117 matches. Congratulations on your wonderful football career and best of luck in your next challenges,” the club wrote in a message cited by Arquibancada Tricolor.

Rafinha’s arrival corresponded with a period of renewed belief for the supporters, culminating in last year’s Copa do Brasil victory—a long-awaited trophy for the club. His role as captain in those successes cements his status among the most respected figures to have represented Sao Paulo in recent years. Beyond his on-field reliability, Rafinha was often viewed as an example for younger teammates, embodying professional standards and a competitive spirit.

The timeline for Rafinha’s retirement comes as Sao Paulo seek consistency in the league campaign, with recent wins providing a lift but also highlighting the ongoing need for leadership in key moments. His departure creates both a gap in experience and an opportunity for others to step forward in the squad’s hierarchy.

Throughout his career, Rafinha also enjoyed stints in Europe and with the Brazilian national team, but his final chapters with Sao Paulo offered a fitting stage for his leadership and for the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition—captaining his boyhood club to major honors.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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