Rafael RodrÃÂguez Ruiz (born 10 July 2003), commonly known as Rafa, is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Málaga CF.
Born in Seville, Andalusia, Rafa joined Málaga CF's youth setup in 2017, from Real Betis. He made his senior debut with the reserves on 12 September 2021, starting in a 2âÂÂ1 Tercera División RFEF away loss against Motril CF.
Rafa scored his first senior goal on 25 September 2022, netting the B's equalizer from the midfield in a 3âÂÂ2 away win over UD Ciudad de Torredonjimeno. He made his first team debut the following 27 May, coming on as a late substitute for fellow youth graduate ÃÂlex Calvo in a 1âÂÂ1 home draw against UD Ibiza in the Segunda División, as both sides were already relegated.
Rafa scored his first professional goal on 21 April 2025, netting his side's second in a 2âÂÂ2 draw at SD Eibar. On 2 June, he renewed his contract until 2028 and was definitely promoted to the main squad.