Rafael Guimarães Lopes (born 28 July 1991) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Cypriot First Division club Anorthosis.
Born in Esposende, Braga District, Lopes started his senior career with Varzim S.C. in the Segunda Liga. In the summer of 2011 he moved to the Primeira Liga after joining Vitória FC, making his debut in the competition on 9 September when he came on as a late substitute in a 3âÂÂ0 away loss against FC Porto. He scored his first goal for his new club on 18 December, helping to a 1âÂÂ1 draw at C.D. Nacional.
In the 2013 off-season, after failing to find the net for Moreirense F.C. in 21 bench appearances and suffering top-flight relegation, Lopes returned to division two with F.C. Penafiel. He moved back to the top tier the following winter transfer window, signing for Académica de Coimbra until June 2016.
On 20 June 2016, after another relegation, Lopes stayed in the league on a one-year contract at G.D. Chaves. Two of his league goals during the campaign came in consecutive 2âÂÂ2 draws in early January 2017, against Rio Ave F.C. and Sporting CP.
On 10 July 2017, Lopes agreed to a two-year deal with AC Omonia from the Cypriot First Division. He made his debut on 10 September in the season opener, a 2âÂÂ1 home win against Ethnikos Achna FC.
Lopes returned to his homeland in July 2018, joining Boavista F.C. on a one-year contract. He scored just three times during his spell at the Estádio do Bessa, once in the fourth round of the Taça de Portugal to help dispose of hosts S.C. Espinho 4âÂÂ0.
On 29 May 2019, Lopes moved to the Ekstraklasa by signing a two-year deal with KS Cracovia. He netted a career-best 12 goals in his only season, also helping the club to win its first-ever Polish Cup after beating Lechia Gdaà Âsk 3âÂÂ2 in extra time.
Lopes joined Legia Warsaw for the 2020âÂÂ21 season. He contributed four goals during that campaign for the champions.
On 10 July 2022, Lopes signed for two seasons with AEK Larnaca FC from Cyprus. In summer 2024, the 33-year-old joined fellow top-division Anorthosis Famagusta FC on a contract of the same duration.
Lopes was part of the Portugal squad at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He played four matches in the tournament held in Colombia, in an eventual runner-up finish.
Cracovia
Legia Warsaw
Portugal U20
Orders