Rafael Defendi

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Tonioli and the second or paternal family name is Defendi.

Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi (born 22 December 1983) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Campeonato de Portugal club Vila Meã.

Rafael Defendi

Personal information
Full name	Rafael Garcia Tonioli Defendi
Date of birth	(1983-12-22) 22 December 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth	Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Vila Meã
Number	1
Youth career
2001	Botafogo
2003	Santos
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2006	Flamengo
2007	Flamengo
2007	Grêmio Anápolis
2007−2008	Aves	6	(0)
2008	Grêmio Anápolis
2009	Sertãozinho
2009−2010	Mirassol	2	(0)
2010−2011	Bragantino	2	(0)
2011−2012	Audax	5	(0)
2012	Monte Azul
2013−2014	Bragantino	13	(0)
2014–2018	Paços de Ferreira	78	(0)
2018–2020	Famalicão	40	(0)
2020–2023	Farense	53	(0)
2023–	Vila Meã	1	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 18:24, 7 November 2023 (UTC)

Career

Born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Defendi passed through Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas and Santos F.C. youth systems, in his early career. In 2007, he made his first move abroad and joined C.D. Aves, making his professional debut on 18 August 2007 in a 2–1 home loss against S.C. Olhanense.^[1] He only added six league appearances throughout the season before returning to Brazil.

After several years in his home country, mostly at the regional level, in July 2014, Defendi returned to Portugal, joining Paços de Ferreira,^[2][3] being first choice most of the season, battling with António Filipe for the position.

On 9 July 2018, Defendi signed a two-year deal with LigaPro side F.C. Famalicão.^[4] He played all but one game in his first season as they finished runners-up and were promoted to the top flight after a 25-year absence; on 3 March 2019 he and Capela were sent off in a 1–1 home draw with FC Porto B.^[5]

Personal life

He is the older brother of Rodrigo Defendi, also a professional footballer.^[6]