Rafael (footballer, born 1990)
The fiery right-back whose fearless runs and combative spirit made him a cult hero during Manchester United's last great era under Alex Ferguson.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Brazilian former footballer·Birthday: July 9·Millennials
Biography
Rafael da Silva burst onto the scene at Manchester United not as a polished product, but as a raw bundle of energy and passion. Alongside his twin Fabio, he brought a distinctly Brazilian flair to the right-back position, characterized by marauding overlaps, fierce tackles, and an unmistakable love for the club. Under Alex Ferguson's guidance, he matured into a first-team regular, his attacking verve perfectly suiting United's style. He was a key component in the squad that won the 2013 Premier League title, Ferguson's final triumph. After a decade in Europe, which included a stint at Lyon, Rafael returned to Brazil, his time at Old Trafford remembered for its wholehearted commitment and a playing style that embodied the joy and fight of the game.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rafael was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rafael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Rafael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Premier League titles (2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13) with Manchester United, playing a key role in the latter campaign.
- Was named Manchester United's Players' Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season.
- Made over 100 appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League.
- Helped Lyon reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2017.
Did You Know?
He received a red card in his first Manchester derby in 2010 for a foul on City's Craig Bellamy.
He was famously comforted by Sir Alex Ferguson after being sent off in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in 2010.
He and his brother Fabio hold dual Brazilian and Portuguese citizenship.
He named his son 'Luke' after his former Manchester United teammate and mentor, Luke Chadwick.
“I played every game like it was my last, with my heart on the pitch.”
