José António Silvestre Rafael (born 22 November 1958) is a Portuguese retired footballer who played as a striker.

José Rafael
Personal information
Full name José António Silvestre Rafael
Date of birth (1958-11-22) 22 November 1958 (age 66)
Place of birth Faro, Portugal
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1973–1977 Farense
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1977–1979 Farense
1979–1981 Portimonense 11 (1)
1981–1983 Amora 48 (12)
1983–1984 Farense 21 (11)
1984–1987 Boavista 63 (18)
1987–1989 Vitória Setúbal 17 (5)
1989 Belenenses 0 (0)
Total 160 (47)
International career
1985 Portugal 2 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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After starting his professional career with local S.C. Farense in the second division, Rafael spent the following ten seasons in the top level, first appearing rarely with Algarve neighbours Portimonense S.C. over the course of two campaigns. He then signed for Amora F.C. in the 1981 summer, scoring six goals in 25 games in his second year, which ended in relegation.

Rafael returned to Farense for 1983–84, netting a career-best 11 goals as the club eventually avoided relegation. Afterwards, he played three seasons with Boavista FC, appearing in two UEFA Cup editions: on 19 September 1985 he scored twice in a 4–3 home win against Club Brugge KV, albeit in a 5–6 aggregate loss.

Rafael retired from football in June 1989 at nearly 31, after two years with Vitória de Setúbal, amassing top flight totals of 160 matches and 47 goals.

International career

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Rafael gained two caps for Portugal, both coming during the 1986 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He scored on his debut, a 3–2 home win over Malta on 12 October 1985.

José Rafael: International goals
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 12 October 1985 Estádio da Luz (1954), Lisbon, Portugal   Malta 2–1 3–2 1986 World Cup qualification
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