Rafael Santos: Everything You Need To Know About the Colorado Rapids’ Newest Signing

The Colorado Rapids moved in the market and signed Brazilian full-back Rafael Santos, who was playing this season at Orlando City. How will this signing work out for both sides?

From Orlando To Colorado

The Colorado Rapids announced the signing of Santos from Orlando City, aiming to make an immediate impact on the team’s defense. The Rapids confirmed the transaction on its social network: “The club acquired Brazilian defender Rafael Santos from Orlando City SC in exchange for $125,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2025.” 

Santos had been defending the Orlando City shirt for three seasons. In his first season, he had good numbers. In 34 games, he scored a goal. In all, there were 2,644 minutes on the field during the 2023 season,

In the 2025 season, Santos has appeared in 17 matches and managed to contribute with 1 assist, totaling 771 minutes on the field. The full-back has a total of 189 career games, and although he has characteristics and a defensive style of play, he scored 7 goals and contributed 19 assists.

Rafael Santos and the Brazilian Style

Let’s talk about everything you need to know about the 27-year-old Brazilian full-back. He has a very defensive style of play and plays on the left side of the field, but also has a good offensive participation when needed. He has even had performances as a left midfielder, playing more advanced at the beginning of his career.

Santos played 37 games for Cruzeiro’s professional team, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists. For those who like to analyze heat maps, Santos dominates the left side. He positions himself well and is not the type of player who takes risks. He receives few dribbles and does very well in tackles and 1v1 confrontations.

Colorado Rapids fans can be excited about this arrival, as Santos will certainly add a great deal to the team. In addition, the former Orlando player can still appear well up front with crosses or decisive passes for a goal. The Brazilian player has a good output and can add to the construction of plays from time to time. Don’t expect anything genius here, as mentioned before, he is a defensive style player, but he can help when needed in attack.

Career Highlights and Stats

• Orlando City (MLS): three seasons, 189 matches overall
• Goals/Assists: 7 goals, 19 assists
• Defensive strengths: Tackling, positioning, 1v1 duels
• Offensive contributions: Accurate crosses and occasional attacking runs

In his last appearance for Orlando City, Santos started and had 77 minutes on the field. Even with his 92% on accurate passes, the City full-back did not have such a solid game and could do nothing to change the 1-1 draw against Montreal. He received a 6.2 rating on SofaScore, the lowest score in their last five games.

What This Signing Means

With the arrival of Santos, the Colorado Rapids will have more defensive depth and options for overlapping plays on the side of the field. Fans can expect a more dynamic defensive line and an improved balance between offense and defense.

The Colorado Rapids return to the field on Saturday against the LA Galaxy, which currently occupies last place in the league’s Western Conference. The Rapids, on the other hand, are in seventh place with 36 points, and with the help of Santos, they can establish themselves once and for all at the top of the table.