{"id":255446,"first_name":"Rafael","last_name":"Tolói","short_name":"Rafael Tolói","common_name":"Rafael Tolói","place_of_birth":"Glória d'Oeste, MT","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":75,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T19:13:56.307Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:38.542Z","locale":"en","age":34,"stb_id":"rafael-toloi","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Rafael Tolói","top_position":null,"introduction":"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.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nRafael Tolói was born on 10 October 1990 in Glória d'Oeste, Mato Grosso, Brazil. From a young age, he showed an interest in football, a sport he pursued with dedication, likely influenced by the sporting environment surrounding his upbringing. He spent his formative years in Brazil, where his passion for football flourished, providing the foundation for his future professional career.\n\n## Youth Career\nTolói began his football journey with Goiás Esporte Clube, stepping into their youth setup in 2008. During his time with the club, he honed his skills and developed a solid defensive presence, which would become the hallmark of his playing style. His early promise was evident as he helped Goiás secure the Campeonato Goiano in 2009, marking a significant achievement in his nascent career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Goiás\nTolói'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.\n\n### São Paulo\nTolói 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.\n\n#### Loan to Roma\nIn 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.\n\n### Atalanta\nTolói'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.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nTolói 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.\n\n### Senior National Team\nEligible 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.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nTolói is noted for his physical strength and anticipation as a defender, primarily playing as a centre-back but capable of functioning as a right-back. His ability to contribute offensively is matched by his solid defensive play, making him a versatile and effective presence on the field.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nTolói has made numerous appearances for every club he's played for, contributing key goals at critical moments, such as his UEFA competition goal for Atalanta and his debut goal-scoring match for São Paulo.\n\n## Records\n- Contributed significantly to team victories including Goian championships, São Paulo's Copa Sudamericana, and Atalanta's UEFA Europa League win.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Goiás: Campeonato Goiano (2009, 2012)\n- São Paulo: Copa Sudamericana (2012)\n- Atalanta: UEFA Europa League (2023–24)\n- Italy: UEFA European Championship (2020)\n\n### Individual Achievements\nTolói'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.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nHe was awarded the Cavalier Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2021, recognizing his contributions to the national team.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nRafael 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.\n\n## Off the Field\nWhile 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.\n\n## Personal Life\nDetails about Tolói's personal and family life, outside of his acquisition of Italian citizenship through heritage, are not provided in the source.","stb_internal_id":"019302e5-d150-7ce9-8f15-6c9231f14e91","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

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.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Rafael Tolói was born on 10 October 1990 in Glória d'Oeste, Mato Grosso, Brazil. From a young age, he showed an interest in football, a sport he pursued with dedication, likely influenced by the sporting environment surrounding his upbringing. He spent his formative years in Brazil, where his passion for football flourished, providing the foundation for his future professional career.

Youth Career

Tolói began his football journey with Goiás Esporte Clube, stepping into their youth setup in 2008. During his time with the club, he honed his skills and developed a solid defensive presence, which would become the hallmark of his playing style. His early promise was evident as he helped Goiás secure the Campeonato Goiano in 2009, marking a significant achievement in his nascent career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

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.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Tolói is noted for his physical strength and anticipation as a defender, primarily playing as a centre-back but capable of functioning as a right-back. His ability to contribute offensively is matched by his solid defensive play, making him a versatile and effective presence on the field.

Performance Statistics

Tolói has made numerous appearances for every club he's played for, contributing key goals at critical moments, such as his UEFA competition goal for Atalanta and his debut goal-scoring match for São Paulo.

Records

Contributed significantly to team victories including Goian championships, São Paulo's Copa Sudamericana, and Atalanta's UEFA Europa League win.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

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.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

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.

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Atalanta BC history begins in 1907 when a group of ambitious students from Liceo Classico Paolo Sarpi in Bergamo established the club, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology by naming it after the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta. \n\nThe club's formative years were marked by local competitions until a pivotal moment arrived in 1920 when Atalanta merged with fellow local outfit Bergamasca. This strategic union created **Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio** and established the iconic blue and black striped identity that defines the team today. The merger ingeniously combined elements from both predecessor clubs, with the distinctive nerazzurri (black and blue) color scheme emerging as a visual representation of this historical alliance. \n\nFollowing years of competition in lower divisions, Atalanta's first significant breakthrough came in 1937 when the club secured its inaugural promotion to Serie A, establishing itself among Italy's elite. Throughout subsequent decades, Atalanta BC experienced the typical fluctuations of a provincial club, alternating between Serie A and Serie B campaigns. Despite these oscillations, the team built a reputation for resilience, eventually setting the record for most promotions to Serie A (13) among all Italian clubs. \n\nThe early history of Atalanta BC represents a testament to provincial perseverance in Italian football, establishing foundations that would later support extraordinary achievements in the modern era. Through wars, economic challenges, and sporting setbacks, the club maintained its distinctive identity while fostering deep connections with the Bergamo community.","sporting_achievements":"Atalanta BC achievements span over a century of competition, with the most significant successes arriving in recent decades. The club's first major trophy came during the 1962-63 season when Atalanta claimed the **Coppa Italia**, defeating Torino in the final. This triumph represented a watershed moment for provincial clubs in Italian football, demonstrating that teams outside major metropolitan centers could compete for national honors. Following this victory, Atalanta reached the Coppa Italia final on five additional occasions (1987, 1996, 2019, 2021, 2024), establishing themselves as perennial contenders in the competition. \n\nIn domestic league competition, Atalanta's finest Serie A performances have come during the contemporary era. The club achieved unprecedented success by securing three consecutive third-place finishes between 2018-19 and 2020-21, consistently outperforming traditional powerhouses with significantly larger budgets. These remarkable campaigns cemented Atalanta's reputation as Italy's most successful provincial club, earning them the affectionate moniker \"Regina delle provinciali\" (Queen of the provincial clubs). \n\nAtalanta BC has also displayed remarkable proficiency in Serie B competition, claiming the championship on five separate occasions and establishing themselves as specialists in promotion campaigns. This ability to navigate Italy's competitive second division has contributed significantly to the club's record of 64 seasons in Serie A—the most of any Italian team not based in a regional capital. \n\nThe apex of Atalanta achievements arrived in the 2023-24 season when the club secured its first major European trophy by winning the **UEFA Europa League**. This historic triumph featured a commanding 3-0 victory over previously undefeated Bayer Leverkusen in the final, representing the culmination of the club's modern renaissance. Prior to this breakthrough, Atalanta had demonstrated their European credentials by reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2019-20 campaign, further establishing themselves as legitimate contenders on the continental stage.","club_identity":"The Atalanta BC stadium, officially named **Gewiss Stadium** (formerly Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia), serves as the spiritual home of Bergamo football. With a capacity of approximately 21,747 spectators, this intimate venue creates an intensely passionate atmosphere that has become integral to the Atalanta BC identity. In 2017, the club made a landmark decision by purchasing the stadium outright, becoming just the fourth Serie A club to own their home ground. This strategic acquisition has facilitated comprehensive renovations aimed at modernizing facilities while preserving the venue's distinctive character and proximity to the pitch that visiting teams find so intimidating. \n\nVisually, Atalanta BC is immediately recognizable through its classic **nerazzurri** (black and blue) striped shirts, a color scheme dating back to the 1920 merger with Bergamasca. This distinctive palette has earned the team one of its popular nicknames, alongside \"La Dea\" (The Goddess)—a direct reference to the Greek mythological figure who inspired the club's name. The third common moniker, \"Orobici,\" connects the team to the Orobic Alps surrounding Bergamo, embedding the club's identity firmly within its geographical context. \n\nFamous players Atalanta BC has produced reflect the club's exceptional talent development system. The renowned youth academy has consistently ranked among Europe's finest, producing generations of skilled footballers who have represented both Atalanta and larger clubs across the continent. This player development pipeline represents perhaps the most distinctive element of Atalanta's organizational identity, differentiating them from comparable provincial clubs and providing a sustainable competitive advantage despite financial limitations. \n\nBeyond technical elements, Atalanta BC's identity is intrinsically linked to Bergamo itself—a proud city with a distinct cultural heritage. The club embodies the industrious spirit of this Lombardy province, with supporters viewing the team as authentic representatives of local values and traditions. This profound connection between city and club creates a uniquely passionate fan culture that visiting supporters immediately recognize when experiencing an Atalanta home match.","current_status_and_future":"The current status of Atalanta BC reflects an organization at the pinnacle of its historical trajectory, having evolved from respected provincial outfit to legitimate European contender. Under the transformative leadership of coach **Gian Piero Gasperini**, appointed in 2016, the club has implemented a distinctive tactical approach characterized by positional fluidity, intense pressing, and committed attacking football. This progressive methodology has earned plaudits from tactical analysts across Europe while delivering unprecedented results. \n\nOrganizationally, Atalanta BC experienced significant transformation in 2022 when American investor **Stephen Pagliuca** acquired a controlling 55% stake in the club. This ownership change brought additional financial resources while maintaining respect for the organization's established identity and operational philosophy. The harmonious collaboration between incoming investors and existing management has created a robust foundation for sustained competitiveness. \n\nThe jewel in Atalanta's organizational crown remains its exceptional youth development system. The club's academy continues to produce elite prospects at a remarkable rate, providing both first-team talent and valuable transfer assets. This player development pipeline ensures Atalanta can compete with financially superior rivals while maintaining a sustainable business model—a formula that has become the envy of similarly sized clubs across Europe. \n\nLooking toward the future, Atalanta BC appears excellently positioned for continued success. The combination of innovative coaching, intelligent recruitment, youth development excellence, and improved financial resources suggests the club can maintain its position among Italy's elite while regularly competing in European competitions. The stadium modernization project further demonstrates the organization's forward-thinking approach, with improved facilities enhancing both matchday experiences and commercial opportunities. \n\nInteresting facts about Atalanta BC include their status as Italy's most successful club not based in a regional capital and their remarkable achievement in qualifying for European competition after a 26-year absence. The club's stylish attacking football has earned them admirers far beyond Bergamo, transforming Atalanta from local institution to global football brand. With their 2023-24 Europa League triumph, Atalanta has definitively proven that provincial clubs can achieve at the highest level through intelligent management and coherent long-term planning.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe6-1335-7c41-a5eb-721510ce1792","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":null,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, commonly known as Atalanta BC, represents one of Italy's most storied provincial football clubs with a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century. Atalanta BC history begins in 1907 when a group of ambitious students from Liceo Classico Paolo Sarpi in Bergamo established the club, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology by naming it after the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta.

The club's formative years were marked by local competitions until a pivotal moment arrived in 1920 when Atalanta merged with fellow local outfit Bergamasca. This strategic union created Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio and established the iconic blue and black striped identity that defines the team today. The merger ingeniously combined elements from both predecessor clubs, with the distinctive nerazzurri (black and blue) color scheme emerging as a visual representation of this historical alliance.

Following years of competition in lower divisions, Atalanta's first significant breakthrough came in 1937 when the club secured its inaugural promotion to Serie A, establishing itself among Italy's elite. Throughout subsequent decades, Atalanta BC experienced the typical fluctuations of a provincial club, alternating between Serie A and Serie B campaigns. Despite these oscillations, the team built a reputation for resilience, eventually setting the record for most promotions to Serie A (13) among all Italian clubs.

The early history of Atalanta BC represents a testament to provincial perseverance in Italian football, establishing foundations that would later support extraordinary achievements in the modern era. Through wars, economic challenges, and sporting setbacks, the club maintained its distinctive identity while fostering deep connections with the Bergamo community.

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Atalanta BC achievements span over a century of competition, with the most significant successes arriving in recent decades. The club's first major trophy came during the 1962-63 season when Atalanta claimed the Coppa Italia, defeating Torino in the final. This triumph represented a watershed moment for provincial clubs in Italian football, demonstrating that teams outside major metropolitan centers could compete for national honors. Following this victory, Atalanta reached the Coppa Italia final on five additional occasions (1987, 1996, 2019, 2021, 2024), establishing themselves as perennial contenders in the competition.

In domestic league competition, Atalanta's finest Serie A performances have come during the contemporary era. The club achieved unprecedented success by securing three consecutive third-place finishes between 2018-19 and 2020-21, consistently outperforming traditional powerhouses with significantly larger budgets. These remarkable campaigns cemented Atalanta's reputation as Italy's most successful provincial club, earning them the affectionate moniker \"Regina delle provinciali\" (Queen of the provincial clubs).

Atalanta BC has also displayed remarkable proficiency in Serie B competition, claiming the championship on five separate occasions and establishing themselves as specialists in promotion campaigns. This ability to navigate Italy's competitive second division has contributed significantly to the club's record of 64 seasons in Serie A—the most of any Italian team not based in a regional capital.

The apex of Atalanta achievements arrived in the 2023-24 season when the club secured its first major European trophy by winning the UEFA Europa League. This historic triumph featured a commanding 3-0 victory over previously undefeated Bayer Leverkusen in the final, representing the culmination of the club's modern renaissance. Prior to this breakthrough, Atalanta had demonstrated their European credentials by reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2019-20 campaign, further establishing themselves as legitimate contenders on the continental stage.

\n","club_identity_html":"

The Atalanta BC stadium, officially named Gewiss Stadium (formerly Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia), serves as the spiritual home of Bergamo football. With a capacity of approximately 21,747 spectators, this intimate venue creates an intensely passionate atmosphere that has become integral to the Atalanta BC identity. In 2017, the club made a landmark decision by purchasing the stadium outright, becoming just the fourth Serie A club to own their home ground. This strategic acquisition has facilitated comprehensive renovations aimed at modernizing facilities while preserving the venue's distinctive character and proximity to the pitch that visiting teams find so intimidating.

Visually, Atalanta BC is immediately recognizable through its classic nerazzurri (black and blue) striped shirts, a color scheme dating back to the 1920 merger with Bergamasca. This distinctive palette has earned the team one of its popular nicknames, alongside \"La Dea\" (The Goddess)—a direct reference to the Greek mythological figure who inspired the club's name. The third common moniker, \"Orobici,\" connects the team to the Orobic Alps surrounding Bergamo, embedding the club's identity firmly within its geographical context.

Famous players Atalanta BC has produced reflect the club's exceptional talent development system. The renowned youth academy has consistently ranked among Europe's finest, producing generations of skilled footballers who have represented both Atalanta and larger clubs across the continent. This player development pipeline represents perhaps the most distinctive element of Atalanta's organizational identity, differentiating them from comparable provincial clubs and providing a sustainable competitive advantage despite financial limitations.

Beyond technical elements, Atalanta BC's identity is intrinsically linked to Bergamo itself—a proud city with a distinct cultural heritage. The club embodies the industrious spirit of this Lombardy province, with supporters viewing the team as authentic representatives of local values and traditions. This profound connection between city and club creates a uniquely passionate fan culture that visiting supporters immediately recognize when experiencing an Atalanta home match.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

The current status of Atalanta BC reflects an organization at the pinnacle of its historical trajectory, having evolved from respected provincial outfit to legitimate European contender. Under the transformative leadership of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, appointed in 2016, the club has implemented a distinctive tactical approach characterized by positional fluidity, intense pressing, and committed attacking football. This progressive methodology has earned plaudits from tactical analysts across Europe while delivering unprecedented results.

Organizationally, Atalanta BC experienced significant transformation in 2022 when American investor Stephen Pagliuca acquired a controlling 55% stake in the club. This ownership change brought additional financial resources while maintaining respect for the organization's established identity and operational philosophy. The harmonious collaboration between incoming investors and existing management has created a robust foundation for sustained competitiveness.

The jewel in Atalanta's organizational crown remains its exceptional youth development system. The club's academy continues to produce elite prospects at a remarkable rate, providing both first-team talent and valuable transfer assets. This player development pipeline ensures Atalanta can compete with financially superior rivals while maintaining a sustainable business model—a formula that has become the envy of similarly sized clubs across Europe.

Looking toward the future, Atalanta BC appears excellently positioned for continued success. The combination of innovative coaching, intelligent recruitment, youth development excellence, and improved financial resources suggests the club can maintain its position among Italy's elite while regularly competing in European competitions. The stadium modernization project further demonstrates the organization's forward-thinking approach, with improved facilities enhancing both matchday experiences and commercial opportunities.

Interesting facts about Atalanta BC include their status as Italy's most successful club not based in a regional capital and their remarkable achievement in qualifying for European competition after a 26-year absence. The club's stylish attacking football has earned them admirers far beyond Bergamo, transforming Atalanta from local institution to global football brand. With their 2023-24 Europa League triumph, Atalanta has definitively proven that provincial clubs can achieve at the highest level through intelligent management and coherent long-term planning.

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Rafael Tolói: Career