ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 15, 2025) – Orlando City SC has acquired $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Rafael Santos, it was announced today. In addition, the Lions could receive up to $200,000 in additional GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met and Orlando retains a sell-on percentage on Rafael Santos in the event that Colorado transfers the defender out of the club.
“We're grateful to Rafa for his dedication, professionalism and contributions to the Club both on and off the pitch during his time with us,” said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director. “We wish him all the best in this next stage of his career.”
The 27-year-old defender made 67 starts in 96 appearances all-time for the Lions across all competitions since arriving in the City Beautiful via transfer from Cruzeiro of Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A ahead of the Lions’ 2023 campaign. Rafael Santos also scored two goals for Orlando City, providing 10 total assists.
A product of Mirassol’s youth academy system, Rafael Santos originally joined Cruzeiro’s U-20 side on loan from his youth club before being transferred to the senior side in January 2019. The Londrina, Brazil, native also had loan spells with Brazilian clubs Internacional, Chapecoense, Ponte Preta and Coritiba.
Overall, Santos has made 189 appearances across all competitions in his professional career, scoring seven goals and providing 17 assists during that time, including appearances in Brazil’s Série A and Copa do Brasil. The left back won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B with Chapecoense in the 2019-2020 season during his time on loan with the club.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Colorado Rapids, as well as up to $200,000 in additional GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met, in exchange for Brazilian defender Rafael Santos. In addition, Orlando City retains a sell-on percentage for Santos.
