Rafael Nel


Rafael Ferreira Nel is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga Portugal 2 club Sporting CP B.

Club career

Nel began playing football with the academy of Benfica before moving to Belenenses, and then finishing his development with Sporting CP in 2020. He signed his first professional contract with Sporting on 22 November 2022. He was promoted to Sporting CP B in the Liga 3 for the 2023–24 season. He made his senior and professional debut with the senior Sporting squad in a 3–1 UEFA Europa League win over Young Boys on 15 February 2024. On 13 August 2024, he again extended his contract with Sporting until 2029.

International career

Nel is a youth international for Portugal. He was called up to the Portugal U20s for a set of friendlies in March 2024.