Rafael López Gómez (Spanish pronunciation: [rafaˈel ˈlopeθ ˈɣomeθ]; born 9 April 1985), known as Rafa, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central defender.
Rafa was born in Peñafiel, Province of Valladolid, Castile and León.[1] A product of Real Valladolid's youth system, he made his debut with the first team on 8 February 2004 in a 2–0 away defeat against RCD Espanyol,[2][1] but only managed six appearances with the main squad over his first two professional seasons.
After a five-month loan at SD Eibar in the Segunda División,[3] Rafa returned to help Valladolid to regain their La Liga status in 2007. He played 21 league matches the following campaign.[4]
Rafa agreed to join Getafe CF on a Bosman transfer in early July 2008.[5] He would spend most of his first year as left-back, replacing out-of-form Lucas Licht who was sold shortly after.[6][7]
In 2009–10, benefitting from consecutive injuries to Mario, Rafa was mostly first-choice. With 27 games and two goals from the player,[8][9] the Madrid team finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the second time in their history.[10]
On 1 September 2014, the last open day of the transfer window, Rafa transferred to newly-promoted SC Paderborn 07, signing a two-year contract.[11] He made his Bundesliga debut on 22 November, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–2 home draw against Borussia Dortmund.[12]
Rafa returned to his first club Valladolid on 13 July 2016, after agreeing to a three-year deal.[13] In June 2017, however, he left.[14]
On 23 August 2017, the 32-year-old Rafa signed for Indian Super League franchise FC Pune City.[15] He returned to Spain and its second division the following 7 July, joining CF Rayo Majadahonda on a one-year contract.[16]
Valladolid