Ze Rafael

Jose Rafael Vivian (born 16 June 1993), known as Ze Rafael, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Palmeiras.

Club Career

Born in Ponta Grossa, Parana, Ze Rafael joined Coritiba's youth setup in 2009, aged 16. He made his first team debut on 29 April 2012, coming on as a half-time substitute for Rafael Silva in a 3–1 Campeonato Paranaense away win against Roma.

Ze Rafael was definitely promoted to the first team ahead of the 2013 season, and made his Serie A debut on 11 August of that year by replacing Lincoln in a 1–0 loss at Vasco da Gama. On 12 February 2014, after appearing sparingly, he was loaned to Novo Hamburgo until the end of the 2014 Campeonato Gaucho.

Ze Rafael scored his first senior goal on 27 February 2014, netting the first in a 2–1 home win against Passo Fundo. Upon returning, he only featured rarely before joining Londrina on loan on 5 May 2015, with Paulinho moving in the opposite direction.

Ze Rafael became a regular starter at the Tubarao, helping in their promotion to Serie B with two goals. He subsequently returned to Coxa, but after failing to make an appearance, he requested to leave and returned to Londrina on 11 February 2016, on loan until December.

Ze Rafael was an undisputed starter during the second division, scoring four goals in 32 appearances as his side finished sixth, three points away from another promotion; highlights included a brace in a 2–1 away win against Vila Nova. On 6 January 2017, he signed a three-year deal with Bahia, in the first division.

Ze Rafael scored his first top tier goal on 14 May 2017, netting the equalizer in a 6–2 home routing of Atletico Paranaense.

Ze Rafael signed a five-year deal with Palmeiras on 29 November 2018. The signing cost R$14,5 million for Palmeiras and became the biggest sale in Bahia's history.

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