On December 24, 2024, Coritiba FC officially announced the return of veteran right-back Rafinha, who has rejoined the club after leaving São Paulo FC. At 39 years old, Rafinha has opted for the familiar grounds of Coritiba, the club where he began his successful career almost 20 years ago. This decision came after he declined to renew his contract with São Paulo, which was set to expire at the end of the upcoming Campeonato Paulista.
Rafinha's new contract with Coritiba spans one year, during which he will aim to help lead the team through its upcoming campaigns and eventually retire with the club. His heartfelt return was captured on social media, where he expressed his enduring connection to Coritiba, saying, "I'm back at Alto da Glória. I'm back at Coritiba, the club which revealed me and opened doors for me. I left as a kid and now I return to help Coritiba regain the position it deserves." This statement not only reflects Rafinha's emotional ties to the club but also his commitment to contribute back to his roots.
The decision to join Coritiba follows Rafinha's achievements at several notable clubs, including Bayern Munich and Flamengo, where he earned numerous accolades. He has won titles across multiple leagues and was also part of the Brazilian national team setup, marking him as one of Brazil’s esteemed footballers. His last season at São Paulo saw him participate in 22 games, earning recognition for his skill set and experience, albeit amid some physical challenges.
Rafinha’s relationship with Coritiba began when he made his professional debut at the young age of 17. His first stint at the club lasted from 2003 to 2005, during which he played 51 matches and netted five goals, contributing to winning the Campeonato Paranaense. This achievement propelled him toward international opportunities, eventually leading to his career at European clubs.
Upon his return, Rafinha will not only aim to add experience and leadership to Coritiba's squad but will likely play pivotal roles off the pitch as well. According to Coritiba's coach Mozart, discussions have already taken place about how Rafinha will be utilized, reflecting the club’s vision for leveraging his wealth of experience to mentor younger players.
Coritiba, known as Coxa Branca, is banking on Rafinha's star power and credibility to help strengthen its squad for the new season. The club's social media accounts celebrated Rafinha's return, dubbing him the #PiáDoCouto, illustrating his status among the fanbase and the significance of his return. They noted, "Multicampeão, Rafinha, our #PiáDoCouto and idol of the Alviverde Nation, returns to Alto da Glória to wear the sacred green jersey again! It’s time to continue writing history and strengthen our team for 2025!"
According to Rafinha, fulfilling his promise to return to Coritiba was important to him, having been away for so long and witnessing the club's ups and downs since his departure. He feels motivated to contribute positively, hoping to guide the team toward new achievements and to leave behind a legacy as he transitions to retirement.
Rafinha's enthusiasm for this new chapter is evident, particularly as he contemplates wrapping up his professional playing days back where it all began. After nearly two decades of vast experiences around the globe, returning to Coritiba is more than just joining another team; it is about completing a full circle — and Rafinha appears well-prepared to embrace the challenges of the 2025 season.
For his loyal supporters and fans, Rafinha's return means more than just his presence on the field. It symbolizes hope and perhaps vitality within the club as he aims to lead Coritiba back to higher standings and engage positively with its passionate fanbase. His illustrious career, rich with memories, achievements, and lessons learned across multiple clubs, places him as not only a player but also as someone who can inspire the next generation at Coritiba FC.
With expectations sky-high, fans are eager to see Rafinha don the green jersey once more, excited about potential triumphs and the experiences he will share on and off the field. There is no doubt Rafinha's return is set to energize both players and supporters alike at Coritiba as they look to write the next chapter of their story together.
