Rafael Alexandre Fernandes Ferreira da Silva, widely known as Rafa Silva, is a talented Portuguese footballer born on May 17, 1993. He currently plays as a winger or second striker for the Primeira Liga club Benfica, showcasing his skills and agility on the field.
Rafa began his professional career at Feirense before making a significant move to Braga in 2013. During his time with Braga, he made a remarkable 127 appearances, netting 26 goals and contributing to the team's success, including winning the Taça de Portugal in 2016.
In the same year, Rafa transferred to Benfica for a fee of sixteen point four million euros. His tenure at Benfica has been marked by impressive achievements, including winning three league championships and an additional cup, solidifying his status as a key player for the club.
On the international stage, Rafa represented Portugal from 2014 to 2021, earning 25 caps. He was part of the national squad for prestigious tournaments such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, and UEFA Euro 2020, celebrating victories in both the 2016 and 2019 tournaments.
After a brief stint with Beşiktaş in June 2024, Rafa returned to Benfica in 2026, continuing to make his mark in Portuguese football.