Rafa Soares (full name: Rafael António Soares Ribeiro) is a Portuguese professional footballer born on 9 October 1996 in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. He primarily plays as a left-back or left wing-back.

• Nationality: Portuguese
• Date of birth: 9 October 1996
• Position: Left-back / Left wing-back
• Youth career: FC Gaia (early youth), then joined FC Porto’s youth system
• Notable clubs:
  • Porto B (Portugal)
  • Porto (senior squad, no prolonged first-team run)
  • União Madeira (loan)
  • Académica (loan)
  • Rio Ave (loan and later permanent — he has played for Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga)
  • Moreirense (loan)
  • Boavista
  • Subsequent moves have included clubs outside Portugal at times
• Rio Ave spell: Rafa Soares spent time at Rio Ave initially on loan from FC Porto and later rejoined the club; while at Rio Ave he featured regularly at left-back/wing-back and contributed defensively and going forward with assists and occasional goals.
• Style of play: An attacking full-back capable of overlapping runs, crossing into the box, and contributing to build-up play; defensively he is known for energy and work-rate down the left flank.
• International career: Has represented Portugal at various youth levels (U19, U20, U21) but has not been a regular senior international for Portugal.

Note: Club affiliations and career details can change with transfers; this summary reflects Rafa Soares’s background including his spells at Rio Ave. For the latest club and season statistics, consult current club rosters or official league records.