Real Salt Lake sign veteran Brazilian GK Rafael Cabral

Field Level Media|published: Tue 21st January, 15:47 2025

Sep 18, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the MLS logo on the side of a match ball in the match between Nashville SC and Chicago Fire at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Casey Gower-Imagn Images

Real Salt Lake signed veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Cabral to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

The deal includes options for 2027-28 for the 34-year-old netminder with 450 matches under his belt.

"Rafa brings a steady hand and high-level experience to our goalkeeping group," said chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid. "... We believe he will provide strong leadership in the locker room, inspire confidence across our back line and mentor our young 'keepers as well."

Cabral has played for Brazil's Santos (2010-13), Cruzeiro (2022-23) and Gremio (2024), Italy's Napoli (2013-17) and Sampdoria (2018-19) and England's Reading (2019-22).

"I am here to help on and off the pitch with my experience; I am sure I will learn much as well," Cabral said. "I expect to help the team and do whatever the club needs from me as a leader and as a player. I am here to achieve big things with the club and with my new teammates."

Real Salt Lake will open the regular season on Feb. 22 at the San Jose Earthquakes.

--Field Level Media