Masterstroke for Orlando Pride: the team today announced the arrival of talented Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza, who signs a contract until the 2025 season. After a two-season stint at Arsenal, Rafaelle is making her big comeback in the United States in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Alongside her renowned Pride teammates Marta and Adriana, Rafaelle has also been selected to represent the Brazilian team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Brazil.
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Convinced of her choice
Asked about this new stage of her career, Rafaelle expressed herself enthusiastically: “Every player dreams of living in a city as captivating as Orlando and playing in a league as competitive as the NWSL. Thanks to my experience in other leagues and countries, as well as everything I have experienced in the world of football, I am convinced that I can bring a lot to this team,” she declared.
Rafaelle joined Arsenal in January 2022. During her stay with the Gunners, the central defender played no less than 35 games, scoring four goals. She was notably a driving force behind the team during the Conti Cup victory in March 2023.
Additionally, in 2022, Rafaelle was named captain of the Brazilian National Team, proudly leading her country to victory in the 2022 Copa América.
With this new weight acquisition, Rafaelle also becomes the fourth Brazilian player to join the ranks of Pride, alongside her compatriots Marta, Adriana and Thais Reiss.
