Rafael Pires
Rafael Pires Monteiro, known simply as Rafael, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Atlético Mineiro.In 2011 Rafael served as the goalkeeper for one of the most famous Clássico Mineiro derbies, in which Cruzeiro beat rivals Atlético Mineiro by 6x1 in the last round of that year's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
During Cruzeiro's 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A campaign, Rafael served as the team's main goalkeeper, after the team's captain and first goalie, Fábio was sidelined for 9 months with an injury. Rafael quickly showed he was more than worthy of that position, being recognized by fans for being as good as Fábio. During the first months of 2017, Rafael and Fábio battled for the first goalie spot, with Rafael playing for most of the 2017 Campeonato Mineiro.
On 3 March 2020, Rafael joined Atlético Mineiro on a three-year deal.Honours
;Cruzeiro
;Brazil U20
