Rafa Marín

Rafael Marín Zamora (born 19 May 2002) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Villarreal, on loan from Italian club Napoli. He has also represented Spain at under-17, under-18 and under-21 levels.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Marín and the second or maternal family name is Zamora.

Rafa Marín

Personal information
Full name	Rafael Marín Zamora
Date of birth	(2002-05-19) 19 May 2002 (age 23)
Place of birth	Carmona, Spain
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Team information
Current team	Villarreal (on loan from Napoli)
Number	4
Youth career
2009–2013	Alcolea
2013–2014	Centro Histórico
2014–2016	Sevilla
2016–2021	Real Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2021–2023	Real Madrid B	65	(3)
2023–2024	Real Madrid	0	(0)
2023–2024	→ Alavés (loan)	33	(0)
2024–	Napoli	4	(0)
2025–	→ Villarreal (loan)	0	(0)
International career‡
2019	Spain U17	7	(0)
2019–2020	Spain U18	7	(1)
2023–	Spain U21	12	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 23:17, 27 April 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals as of 14:21, 20 June 2025 (UTC)

Club career

Real Madrid

Marín made his debut for the Castilla side on 2 May 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 win over Badajoz.^[1] He would later be called up to the senior team for the first time on 22 December 2021, spending the entirety of the match on the bench in a 2–1 victory at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.^[2]

Loan to Alavés

On 28 July 2023, Marín was sent to Alavés on a season long loan until 30 June 2024.^[3][4]

Napoli

On 10 July 2024, Marín signed for Serie A club Napoli on a five-year contract.^[5][6]

Loan to Villarreal

On 3 July 2025, Marín returned to Spain after agreeing to a one-year loan deal with Villarreal, with the transfer fee set at €1 million. The Yellow Submarine holds a purchase option valued at €15 million.^[7]

Career statistics

As of match played 27 April 2025^[8]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup[a]		Europe		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Real Madrid Castilla	2020–21	Segunda División B	2	0	—		—		—		2	0
	2021–22	Primera División RFEF	27	1	—		—		—		27	1
	2022–23	Primera Federación	36	2	—		—		4[b]	1	40	3
	Total		65	3	—		—		4	1	69	4
Alavés (loan)	2023–24	La Liga	33	0	2	0	—		—		35	0
Napoli	2024–25	Serie A	4	0	2	0	—		—		6	0
Villarreal (loan)	2025–26	La Liga	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
Career total			102	3	4	0	0	0	4	1	110	4

1. Includes Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia
2. Appearances in Primera Federación play-offs

Honours

Napoli

• Serie A: 2024–25^[9]