Rafael Tolói

Lore & Background

Tolói represented Brazil at under-20 level in 2009, but switched allegiance to Italy in 2021 after meeting FIFA's five-year residency requirement. He had been living in Italy since his move to Atalanta early in the 2015–16 season, and had acquired Italian citizenship because his great-grandparents hailed from Treviso, Veneto. He made his senior debut for Italy in 2021, and represented the nation at their victorious UEFA Euro 2020 campaign.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicks the ground at the Gewiss Stadium as the clock ticks past the ninetieth minute. The score is level, and the pressure is mounting. Rafael Tolói stands tall in the center circle, his voice cutting through the roar of the crowd. He signals for the midfield to push higher, trusting that he and his partner can hold the line one last time. With a deep breath, he surveys the pitch, the weight of the club's history resting on his shoulders as he prepares to repel another wave.

Reader's Guide

Tolói is a physically strong defender, mainly known for his anticipation. Although usually a centre-back, he is also capable of playing as a right-back, and is known for his ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.

Did You Know?

• Tolói scored the goal that confirmed the Eusébio Cup for São Paulo FC in a 2–0 victory against S.L. Benfica on 3 August 2013.
• He became Atalanta's captain during the 2020–21 season following the departure of Papu Gómez.
• Tolói made a late substitute appearance in Atalanta's 3–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final.
• On 19 February 2025, Tolói was involved in an altercation where he attempted to strike an opponent with a football before slipping and falling, which was widely memed.