We are delighted to announce the signing of Brazilian centre-back Rafaelle Souza.
The 30-year-old defender joins us following the expiry of her previous deal at Chinese club Changchun Zhuoyue.
Rafaelle – who has now become the first Brazilian player to sign for Arsenal Women – has previously played for Houston Dash, Sao Francisco BA, America Mineiro and Palmeiras, in addition to her spell in China.
Rafaelle has also made 33 appearances for the Brazil national team to date, scoring five goals. She was part of the Brazil squads that won the 2018 edition of the Copa America and finished second at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup.
“I’m so excited.” Said Rafaelle. “I feel great to be here and to be playing in such a strong and competitive league. I feel like when I decided to come here, I was looking for a club where I can show my football and show my skills and be in the centre of the world. That’s my challenge, to show my football to the world.”
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Rafaelle to the club,” said head coach Jonas Eidevall. “Her international experience, technical ability and leadership qualities make her an important signing for us – I’m looking forward to working with her and I’m sure the Arsenal fans are excited to see her in action.”
“The signing of Rafaelle represents another significant addition to our squad,” said head of women’s football Clare Wheatley. “Rafaelle has proven international pedigree and we are sure that she will make a valuable contribution both this season and moving forward.”
Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Rafaelle to the club and wish her well here in London.
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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