Real Salt Lake have confirmed that veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has signed a new deal, extending his stay with the club through the 2027 MLS season, with an additional club option for 2028.
The 35-year-old shot-stopper, who joined RSL ahead of the 2025 campaign, has quickly established himself as a key figure both on and off the pitch. In his debut MLS season, Cabral has already delivered eight clean sheets across 32 matches in all competitions, showcasing consistency, composure, and world-class reflexes.
Leadership and Reliability
RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid praised the goalkeeper’s impact, highlighting not just his performances but also his influence in the locker room:
“Rafa has been a steady, experienced presence for our goalkeeping group, and his leadership on and off the field has been outstanding. His composure with the ball, sharp shot-stopping, and ability to organize the defense have been crucial in key moments this season. We’re very pleased to keep Rafa in Utah, where his consistency and professionalism continue to make him an integral part of our club’s success.”
A Wealth of Global Experience
Before arriving in Major League Soccer, Cabral enjoyed a decorated career across multiple top leagues. He began in Brazil with Santos, where he gained recognition as a promising young talent, before spells with Cruzeiro and Grêmio. His European journey took him to Napoli and Sampdoria in Italy, as well as Reading in England’s Championship, before returning to Brazil and eventually moving to Utah.
RSL’s Long-Term Vision
Securing Cabral until at least 2027 signals Real Salt Lake’s commitment to blending experienced leadership with the squad’s youthful core. With his calm presence in goal and ability to rise to pressure moments—like his match-winning penalty saves against Club América in the Leagues Cup—Cabral has proven himself invaluable in RSL’s push for silverware.
This extension ensures that one of the league’s most reliable and battle-tested goalkeepers will remain between the posts for RSL for years to come, as the club continues to build towards sustained success in MLS.
