{"id":242884,"first_name":"José Rafael","last_name":"Vivian","short_name":"Zé Rafael","common_name":"Zé Rafael","place_of_birth":"Ponta Grossa, PR","gender":"male","height":175,"weight":71,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-05T09:30:58.688Z","updatedAt":"2025-05-05T08:48:04.912Z","locale":"en","age":31,"stb_id":"ze-rafael","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Zé Rafael","top_position":null,"introduction":"**José Rafael Vivian**, commonly known as **Zé Rafael**, is a versatile Brazilian midfielder who has built a reputation as one of the most adaptable players in the Brazilan football scene. Currently signed with \"Santos FC\", Zé Rafael has demonstrated remarkable ability to evolve his playing style throughout his career, transitioning from an attacking winger to a defensive midfeild specialist. Standing at 175cm, the Brazilian has maintained consistent performanc at top-tier clubs in his native country, establishing himself as a valuable asset through his tactical intelligence and work ethic.","early_life_and_career":"Born on June 16, 1993, in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, Zé Rafael began his footbal journey in the youth systems of Brazilian clubs. His early development took place in Coritiba where he learned the fundamentals that would shape his future career. The yeung midfielder's talent was evident, but like many Brazilian players, he needed loan spells to develop properly. Zé Rafael was loaned to Novo Hamburgo in 2014 and later to Londrina from 2015 to 2016. These formative experiences in smaller clubs proved crucial for his development. These loans gave him regular playing time and helped him mature as a player. The experience at these smaller clubs was invaluable, allowing him to develop both the tecnical and mental aspects of his game before returning to compete at higher levels.","professional_career_and_highlights":"Zé Rafael's professional career took a significant turn when he joined \"Bahia\" in January 2017. At Bahia, he racked up an impressive 127 appearances over just two years, becoming a central figure for the teom. His consistent performances caught the eye of \"Palmeiras\", one of Brazil's most storied clubs. He didn't disappoint. In November 2018, Palmeiras secured his signature on a five-year contract, demonstrating their faith in his abilities. \n\nDuring his time at \"Palmeiras\", Zé Rafael evolved from being just another squad player to becoming an essential cog in the midfield machine. He reached significant milestones with the club, including his 100th match in February 2021, his 200th in August 2022, and his 300th appearance in July 2024. Zé Rafael's longevity at such a competitive club speaks volumes about his consistency and adaptabiity. \n\nIn February 2025, after a successful stint with \"Palmeiras\", Zé Rafael made the move to \"Santos FC\" in a transfer worth approximately R$15 million, signing a contract through December 2027. This move represeted both a new challenge and an acknowledgment of his continuing value in Brazilain football even as he entered the latter stages of his career.","playing_style_and_skills":"One of the most fascinating aspects of Zé Rafael's career has been his transformation from a winger to a defensive midfielder. This positional evolution showcases his tactical intelligence and adaptability. He reads the game exceptionally well, often anticipating opponents' moves before they happen. His tackling is clean and precise, making him reliable in breaking up opposition play. \n\nZé Rafael possesses the rare ability to contribute meaningfully in both defensive and offensive phases. When he receives the ball, he can distribute it with accuracy or carry it forward if space opens up. His versitility allows coaches to deploy him in multiple positions across the midfield, making him a valuable asset for any squad. \n\nInterestingly, Zé Rafael has credited boxing as a key factor in improving both his physical performance and mental state on the pitch. This cross-training has apparently enhanced his resilience and figthing spirit, qualities that are evident when you watch him play. He competes with the knife between his teeth, never giving up on a challenge. His game intelligence is matched by physical commitment, making him a complet midfielder who can be counted on in the most demanding situations.","notable_achievements":"Throughout his career, Zé Rafael has accumulated an impressive collection of silverwear, particularly during his time at \"Palmeiras\". He won multiple championships with the club, establishing himself as a winner in Brazilian football. In 2022, he celebrated winning the prestigious Recopa Sul-Americana, adding an international trophy to his cabinet. \n\nZé Rafael also became Paulista champion, further cementing his legacy in São Paulo state football. The midfielder added the Supercopa do Brasil in twenty-three, continuing his habit of collecting trophies at a remakable rate. \n\nPerhaps one of his most significant personal accolades came in 2022 when he received the prestigious Bola de Prata award, recognizing him as one of the best players in the Brazilian league for that season. This award was particularly meaningful as it acknowledged his successful transition to a defensive midfielder role, showing that his evolution as a player was not just tactically significant but also recognized by football experts. His ability to reinvent himself and still maintan elite performance levels is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the sport.","impact_on_sport":"Zé Rafael's greatest impact on Brazilian football has been as a model of professional adaptation and longevity. In an era where midfielders are often pigeonholed into specific roles early in their careers, his successful transition from winger to defensive midfielder provides a blueprint for other players facing similar challenges. His ability to evolve his game while maintaining effectiveness at top clubs demonstrates a learning mindset that coaches often try to instill in younger players. \n\nHis career arc at \"Palmeiras\", where he made over 300 appearances, stands as a testament to consistency and reliability in a leage where player turnover is often high. By maintaining his value even as he approached his thirties, Zé Rafael has shown that technical intelligence and tactical versatility can extend a player's career at the highest level. \n\nThe transfer to \"Santos FC\" at age 31 further illustrates his continued relevance in Brazilian football. Rather than being viewed as a player in decline, he was sought after by another major club willing to invest significantly in his services. This reflects how Zé Rafael has established himself as a standard-bearer for professonal excellence and adaptability in Brazilian football, leaving a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics or trophies.","stb_internal_id":"0192fba9-be30-7b81-8d37-58980a9c372d","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

José Rafael Vivian, commonly known as Zé Rafael, is a versatile Brazilian midfielder who has built a reputation as one of the most adaptable players in the Brazilan football scene. Currently signed with \"Santos FC\", Zé Rafael has demonstrated remarkable ability to evolve his playing style throughout his career, transitioning from an attacking winger to a defensive midfeild specialist. Standing at 175cm, the Brazilian has maintained consistent performanc at top-tier clubs in his native country, establishing himself as a valuable asset through his tactical intelligence and work ethic.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Born on June 16, 1993, in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, Zé Rafael began his footbal journey in the youth systems of Brazilian clubs. His early development took place in Coritiba where he learned the fundamentals that would shape his future career. The yeung midfielder's talent was evident, but like many Brazilian players, he needed loan spells to develop properly. Zé Rafael was loaned to Novo Hamburgo in 2014 and later to Londrina from 2015 to 2016. These formative experiences in smaller clubs proved crucial for his development. These loans gave him regular playing time and helped him mature as a player. The experience at these smaller clubs was invaluable, allowing him to develop both the tecnical and mental aspects of his game before returning to compete at higher levels.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Zé Rafael's professional career took a significant turn when he joined \"Bahia\" in January 2017. At Bahia, he racked up an impressive 127 appearances over just two years, becoming a central figure for the teom. His consistent performances caught the eye of \"Palmeiras\", one of Brazil's most storied clubs. He didn't disappoint. In November 2018, Palmeiras secured his signature on a five-year contract, demonstrating their faith in his abilities.

During his time at \"Palmeiras\", Zé Rafael evolved from being just another squad player to becoming an essential cog in the midfield machine. He reached significant milestones with the club, including his 100th match in February 2021, his 200th in August 2022, and his 300th appearance in July 2024. Zé Rafael's longevity at such a competitive club speaks volumes about his consistency and adaptabiity.

In February 2025, after a successful stint with \"Palmeiras\", Zé Rafael made the move to \"Santos FC\" in a transfer worth approximately R$15 million, signing a contract through December 2027. This move represeted both a new challenge and an acknowledgment of his continuing value in Brazilain football even as he entered the latter stages of his career.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

One of the most fascinating aspects of Zé Rafael's career has been his transformation from a winger to a defensive midfielder. This positional evolution showcases his tactical intelligence and adaptability. He reads the game exceptionally well, often anticipating opponents' moves before they happen. His tackling is clean and precise, making him reliable in breaking up opposition play.

Zé Rafael possesses the rare ability to contribute meaningfully in both defensive and offensive phases. When he receives the ball, he can distribute it with accuracy or carry it forward if space opens up. His versitility allows coaches to deploy him in multiple positions across the midfield, making him a valuable asset for any squad.

Interestingly, Zé Rafael has credited boxing as a key factor in improving both his physical performance and mental state on the pitch. This cross-training has apparently enhanced his resilience and figthing spirit, qualities that are evident when you watch him play. He competes with the knife between his teeth, never giving up on a challenge. His game intelligence is matched by physical commitment, making him a complet midfielder who can be counted on in the most demanding situations.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Throughout his career, Zé Rafael has accumulated an impressive collection of silverwear, particularly during his time at \"Palmeiras\". He won multiple championships with the club, establishing himself as a winner in Brazilian football. In 2022, he celebrated winning the prestigious Recopa Sul-Americana, adding an international trophy to his cabinet.

Zé Rafael also became Paulista champion, further cementing his legacy in São Paulo state football. The midfielder added the Supercopa do Brasil in twenty-three, continuing his habit of collecting trophies at a remakable rate.

Perhaps one of his most significant personal accolades came in 2022 when he received the prestigious Bola de Prata award, recognizing him as one of the best players in the Brazilian league for that season. This award was particularly meaningful as it acknowledged his successful transition to a defensive midfielder role, showing that his evolution as a player was not just tactically significant but also recognized by football experts. His ability to reinvent himself and still maintan elite performance levels is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the sport.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Zé Rafael's greatest impact on Brazilian football has been as a model of professional adaptation and longevity. In an era where midfielders are often pigeonholed into specific roles early in their careers, his successful transition from winger to defensive midfielder provides a blueprint for other players facing similar challenges. His ability to evolve his game while maintaining effectiveness at top clubs demonstrates a learning mindset that coaches often try to instill in younger players.

His career arc at \"Palmeiras\", where he made over 300 appearances, stands as a testament to consistency and reliability in a leage where player turnover is often high. By maintaining his value even as he approached his thirties, Zé Rafael has shown that technical intelligence and tactical versatility can extend a player's career at the highest level.

The transfer to \"Santos FC\" at age 31 further illustrates his continued relevance in Brazilian football. Rather than being viewed as a player in decline, he was sought after by another major club willing to invest significantly in his services. This reflects how Zé Rafael has established himself as a standard-bearer for professonal excellence and adaptability in Brazilian football, leaving a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics or trophies.

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Zé Rafael: Profile