Winter transfer window's first signing? Brazilian media report 30-year-old J-League silver boot winner to join Shenhua

Written by Han Bing On December 15th Brazil time, leading media such as Globoesporte and ESPN Brazil reported that Brazilian striker Rafael Ratão is set to join Shanghai Shenhua. Globoesporte stated that the two parties have agreed on a transfer fee of 2 million euros and a 3-year deal, awaiting formal signing. So far, Shanghai Shenhua has not commented on the Brazilian reports.

On December 7th, Rafael’s wife posted a photo on Instagram taken after the December 6th match against Yokohama FC, showing Rafael with teammates’ families, captioned: "Our last match with Osaka Sakura," confirming Rafael’s departure.

Japanese media last week claimed that Vissel Kobe, Machida Zelvia, as well as Middle Eastern and Chinese Super League clubs, are competing for the 2025 J-League silver boot co-winner. Rafael’s parent club Bahia is asking for 360 million yen (about 2 million euros). ESPN Brazil reporter Eldon Serra first revealed Rafael’s negotiations with Shenhua, later confirmed by Globoesporte. If Rafael indeed joins Shenhua as reported, he would be the first foreign signing of the 2026 CSL winter window.

Rafael turned 30 on November 30th, stands 1.83 meters tall, and came through São Paulo’s youth system. In 2013, he joined São Paulo state’s Preto Clube. As early as summer 2015, he was loaned to J1 League’s Niigata Swan but only appeared once as a substitute in the Emperor’s Cup for 15 minutes. In summer 2016, Rafael moved to K2 League’s Chungju Hummel, playing 17 matches with 5 goals and 2 assists in the second half of the season, actually scoring in just two games, including 4 goals and 1 assist against Ansan Mugunghwa. Rafael’s breakthrough came in summer 2021 when he joined Ligue 2’s Toulouse, scoring 16 goals and 4 assists in 39 appearances, helping them win the Ligue 2 title and return to Ligue 1. In the 2022/23 season, he played 30 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists, aiding the team to win the French Cup, before returning to Brazil’s Bahia for 2.5 million euros.

Earlier this year, Rafael was loaned to J1 League’s Osaka Sakura. Primarily a center forward, he occasionally played as a left winger or shadow striker. Rafael produced his best career season there, with 23 goals and 4 assists in 44 appearances, including 18 goals and 3 assists in 36 league matches. He tied for the silver boot with Kyoto Sanga’s Brazilian forward Elias. Rafael scored against strong teams like Urawa Red Diamonds, FC Tokyo, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F. Marinos, earning a reputation as a clutch scorer. Although he endured a two-month slump from August with only one goal in seven league games, he ended the season strongly by scoring in four consecutive matches, netting five goals total.

When Rafael was loaned to Osaka Sakura earlier this year, his market value was 2.5 million euros, which has now risen to 3 million euros. Brazilian media report that Bahia recovered the transfer fee they paid two years ago from France by selling Rafael. Japanese media estimate Rafael’s annual salary at Osaka Sakura around 110 million yen (about 750,000 USD), which is expected to increase significantly after his transfer.

Rafael started playing street football at age seven and got a trial at São Paulo club at 13. At 17, he joined Preto Clube and made his Brazilian Serie A debut, scoring against the powerhouse Fluminense at the Maracanã Stadium in his first appearance there. However, early fame caused him to lose focus, his form declined, and agents frequently loaned him out for profit, wasting five years. Rafael even considered retiring until the fresh environment at Niigata Swan helped him regain his motivation.

Rafael’s career revival was greatly supported by his girlfriend Paula. Ten years ago, she was unable to accompany him to Japan due to breast cancer treatment but inspired him with her fight against cancer to regain confidence. This year, upon joining Osaka Sakura, Rafael also helped Paula continue her breast cancer treatment, and she ultimately recovered, while he reached the peak of his career.

Bahia has had limited dealings with the Chinese Super League before. In 2013, Shandong Taishan loaned forward Obina to Bahia. In 2015, Bahia defender Fonseca joined Tianjin Teda on a free transfer. More recently, early last year, Bahia loaned midfielder Chitadini to Shanghai Port.