Rafael Tolói: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Goiás

Tolói's professional debut was with Goiás Esporte Clube, where he began his career in 2008. His defensive capabilities were crucial in helping the team clinch the Campeonato Goiano in 2009. Over the course of his time at the club, he appeared in 17 Série B games, scoring two goals and playing a significant role in their journey to the 2010 Copa Sudamericana finals.

São Paulo

Tolói transitioned to São Paulo on 5 July 2012, signing a five-year contract. He made an immediate impact by scoring his first goal for the club on 25 July 2012 against Atlético Goianiense. A highlight moment came on 3 August 2013, when he scored in the final of the Eusébio Cup, helping secure the title with a 2–0 victory over S.L. Benfica.

Loan to Roma

In January 2014, Tolói was loaned to AS Roma for the remainder of the 2013–14 season, with a fee of €500,000 and an option to purchase for €5.5 million. He debuted for Roma in a match against Torino on 25 March 2014, contributing to their 2–1 win.

Atalanta

Tolói's move to Atalanta in August 2015 for €3.5 million marked a new chapter. His debut on 13 September was followed by scoring the match-winning goal at Empoli just eleven days later. In 2018, he netted his first UEFA competition goal against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League. Under his captaincy, Atalanta won the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League, sealing the triumph with a win over Bayer Leverkusen.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Tolói represented Brazil at the under-20 level, achieving significant accomplishments, including winning the South American Championship and finishing as runners-up in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Senior National Team

Eligible for Italy through citizenship and residency, Tolói switched allegiance in 2021. He debuted for Italy on 31 March 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. He was part of Italy's victorious 2020 UEFA Euro squad, contributing as a substitute in a group match against Switzerland and playing a role throughout the tournament, culminating in a victory over England in the final.

Rafael Tolói is a prominent footballer known for his defensive prowess and leadership. As the captain of Serie A club Atalanta and a key player for the Italy national team, Tolói has made significant contributions to both club and country. While originally representing Brazil at the youth level, his international career saw a successful switch to Italy, where he played an instrumental role in their UEFA Euro 2020 victory. Currently at the peak of his career, Tolói is celebrated for his tactical intelligence and impactful defensive skills.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Goiás: Campeonato Goiano (2009, 2012)
• São Paulo: Copa Sudamericana (2012)
• Atalanta: UEFA Europa League (2023–24)
• Italy: UEFA European Championship (2020)

Individual Achievements

Tolói's standing as a reliable and strategic defender has been marked by his captaincy at Atalanta and his crucial role in Italy's national team successes.

Awards and Recognition

He was awarded the Cavalier Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2021, recognizing his contributions to the national team.

Career Overview

Rafael Tolói's career trajectory from a promising youth player in Brazil to an integral part of the Italian national squad underscores his adaptability and high-caliber skills as a central defender. His leadership at Atalanta and significant contributions to Italy's UEFA Euro 2020 victory highlight his impact on the sport.

Off the Field

While specific commercial and charitable activities are not detailed in the source, Tolói's career is marked by a strong professional image and dedication to football.

Personal Life

Details about Tolói's personal and family life, outside of his acquisition of Italian citizenship through heritage, are not provided in the source.