Rafael Paiva

Cledson Rafael de Paiva is a Brazilian football coach.

Career

Born in Cambuí, Minas Gerais, Paiva began his career as a fitness coach at Guarani before becoming an under-15 coach at Mogi Mirim in 2013. He subsequently worked under the same role at Desportivo Brasil and São Paulo, before being named in charge of the latter's under-17 team in March 2018.
On 2 November 2021, after a period in China, Paiva was named under-17 coach of Vasco da Gama. He left the club on 11 January of the following year, and was announced at Palmeiras the following day, as an under-15 coach.
In March 2022, Paiva was promoted to Palmeiras' under-17 side, and led the side to two consecutive Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 and Copa do Brasil Sub-17 titles. On 23 January 2024, he returned to Vasco after being named in charge of the under-20 squad.
On 27 April 2024, Paiva was named interim head coach of Vasco, after the departure of Ramón Díaz. He led the club in four matches before returning to his previous role after the appointment of Álvaro Pacheco on 21 May; on 20 June, however, he returned to an interim role, after Pacheco was sacked.
On 24 November 2024, Paiva was sacked from Vasco during a press conference by club president Pedrinho.

São Paulo U17

Palmeiras U17