Orlando Pride Signs Defender Rafaelle to New Contract
- 30, 2025) - The Orlando Pride have signed defender Rafaelle to a new contract extending through the 2028 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season, the club announced today.
- Why it Matters: Rafaelle is a cornerstone of the Pride's defense and a leader on and off the field.
- What's Next: The Pride will continue preparations for the 2026 NWSL season, building around Rafaelle and other key players.
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Orlando Pride Secure Defender Rafaelle Through 2028
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 30, 2025) – The Orlando Pride have signed defender Rafaelle to a new contract extending through the 2028 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, the club announced today. This commitment solidifies Rafaelle’s position as a key player in the Pride’s pursuit of a championship.
Club Statement and Rafaelle’s Impact
“As arriving at our club, Rafaelle has proven to be an extraordinary leader both on the pitch and in the locker room,” said VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter. “She’s one of the best center backs in the world,and her experience,composure under pressure,and tactical awareness have been instrumental in strengthening our backline. Securing her commitment through 2028 is a major statement as we continue building a championship-caliber squad for Orlando.”
Rafaelle’s arrival has coincided with a period of meaningful growth for the Pride. She has been instrumental in helping the team reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons – a first in the Club’s history. this consistency demonstrates the impact of a stable and experienced defensive presence.
Rafaelle’s Performance and Statistics
The 34-year-old Brazilian international has made 29 appearances for the Pride across all competitions, scoring two goals. Her debut goal came on August 20, 2023, against the Chicago Red Stars, marking a memorable start to her orlando career. Beyond goals, Rafaelle’s defensive contributions are significant, consistently ranking high in clearances, interceptions, and blocks.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Minutes Played | Interceptions | Clearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 | 1 | 1350 | 35 | 80 |
| 2024 | 14 | 1 | 1260 | 42 | 95 |
| 2025 (to date) | Ongoing | 0 | Ongoing | Ongoing | ongoing |
Rafaelle’s Career Overview
Before joining the Orlando Pride, Rafaelle enjoyed a distinguished career playing in Brazil and Europe.She has represented the Brazilian national team extensively, participating in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. Her experience at the international level brings a wealth of knowledge and composure to the Pride’s defense.
Rafaelle’s previous club experience includes stints with São Paulo FC, Palmeiras, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). at PSG, she won multiple league titles and established herself as one of the top defenders in the French league. Her decision to join the NWSL and the Orlando Pride was seen as a significant boost for the league’s profile.