Real Salt Lake Signs Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral
Jan 21, 2025, 1:04 PM
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 14: Rafael Cabral goalkeeper of Cruzeiro kicks the ball during a match between Palmeiras and Cruzeiro as part of Brasileirao 2023 at Allianz Parque on August 14, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
(Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake is adding Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Cabral after agreeing to terms through 2026 with club options in 2027 and 2028.
RSL announced the signing on Tuesday, January 21.
“Rafa brings a steady hand and high-level experience to our goalkeeping group,” said RSL Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid. “Rafa is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has demonstrated an ability throughout his career to stop shots and organize a defense, while thriving in big moments, as he did in the Copa Libertadores over a decade ago. With what we’ve seen from him recently, we believe he will provide strong leadership in the locker room, inspire confidence across our back line, and mentor our young ‘keepers as well.”
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This Brazilian is bringing his talents to MLS in the Beehive State
Welcome to the club, Rafael!!
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 21, 2025
A ten-year veteran in Italy and England, Cabral most recently played in his native Brazil. The 34-year-old appeared in 120 matches with Cruzeiro before finishing the year on loan with Gremio.
“I am so happy and excited to sign with Real Salt Lake. This is what I wanted: a new experience for my life,” said Cabral, awaiting his upcoming visa appointment. “I have played in Italy and England and Brazil, and this winter, I had such a great meeting with Mirza, and then in speaking with Pablo and Kurt, I very much like the project, the way the club plays, the mentality – this is precisely what I’m looking for.”
Listed at 6’2 and 190 pounds, Cabral has played 375 games since turning pro in 2010.
How To Watch Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake travels to Santa Barbara, California, on Thursday, January 23, for training camp. The Claret & Cobalt will open the 2025 MLS season against former striker Chicho Arango and the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, February 22.
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Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.
