Kolkata : Brazilian defender Rafael Ribeiro is all set to join ISL club Hyderabad FC who’re currently looking for change.
Following Andrei Alba, Rafael will be the 2nd signing of Hyderabad FC for this season.
“Rafael Ribeiro has decided to join Hyderabad FC on a one-year deal, with the option to extend for another season. He’s highly rated in Brazilian domestic football and is expected to be a great asset for the club,” a source close to the news revealed.
Rafael, a highly rated tall centre back, carries immense experience playing in prestigious Brazilian leagues.
He came through the youth ranks at Série C side Náutico, eventually making over 100 senior appearances in Série B, Série C, and other regional competitions.
In 2021, he earned a loan move to Série A outfit Fluminense, though limited game time meant he couldn’t secure a permanent transfer. He later had short stints at Vitória (Série A) and Chapecoense (Série B), making 13 appearances across both clubs.
In 2024, Ribeiro joined Série C club Figueirense FC, where he made 20 appearances, including 11 in the national third tier. In 2025, he signed for Velo Clube-SP, a team competing in the historic Paulistão league in São Paulo state.
Rafael will join strengthening the defense at a time when Hyderabad FC are looking for transformation, including reports selecting Kerala Blasters former interim coach Tomasz Tchórz as head coach.
