Orlando City SC traded Rafael Santos to Colorado Rapids today in exchange for $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM). The Lions could also receive up to an additional $200,000 in GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met, while retaining a sell-on percentage should Rapids transfer Santos in the future.
Joining from Cruzeiro ahead of the 2023 campaign, Rafael Santos quickly established himself as Orlando City SC’s first choice left back, holding the role for two full seasons. This year, however, he lost his starting spot to David Brekalo, and with the recent arrival of Adrián Marín from Braga, the Brazilian has now been allowed to seek a new challenge.
Overall, Santos made 96 appearances (67 starts) for City across all competitions, scoring twice and providing 10 assists. Renowned for his explosive pace and marauding runs down the left flank, we wish Santos all the very best at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Forever a Lion 🦁
We have acquired up to $325,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Rafael Santos.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 15, 2025
OFFICIAL: The club has acquired Brazilian defender Rafael Santos from Orlando City SC in exchange for $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM).
Bem-vindo ao Colorado, Rafael 🏔️
📰 » https://t.co/p50XdcvfMU#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/YeYjUbvNke
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 15, 2025
Rafael Santos’ final Orlando City SC stats
2023 MLS regular season
- 26 games played
- 23 games started
- 1,993 minutes played
- 1 goal
- 0 assists
- 4 shots on target
- 3 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
2024 MLS regular season
- 32 games played
- 23 games started
- 2,072 minutes played
- 1 goal
- 3 assists
- 5 shots on target
- 2 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
2025 MLS regular season
- 17 games played
- 6 games started
- 676 minutes played
- 0 goals
- 0 assists
- 2 shots on target
- 2 yellow cards
- 1 red card
Following Rafael Santos’ exit, here’s how Orlando City SC’s 2025 squad is looking.
Orlando City SC supporters’ view
Orlando City UK gathered the best tweets following Rafael Santos’ trade to Colorado Rapids.
Thank you, Rafa 💜 pic.twitter.com/dOeqWN99rG
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 15, 2025
Obrigado e boa sorte, Rafa 💜 https://t.co/geox3EuzoS pic.twitter.com/6Mosd2JWuU
— Ricardo Moreira (@9ricardomoreira) August 15, 2025
😕 this kinda sucks. Very solid player with absolute elite crossing ability. I know he’s fell out of the starting 11. This one hurts a little though
— Rex Willis (@quincey_willis) August 15, 2025
Writing was on the wall when David and Kyle were being used instead of him at LB and Marin being brought in.
He had one hell of a delivery though, I don't look forward to him sending crosses into our box whenever we play Colorado.
— Adzter (@Adzter961) August 15, 2025
He feel out of favor with Brekalo playing left back and Marin added now
He’s too good to not play but should do great with a different system
He had some great moments for us
FAL
— x- Eddie Biggio 🏆 (@EddieTheCommish) August 15, 2025
Forever a Lion. 🦁 Thank you for everything, Rafa.
— John Rawlins (@JohnRawlinsOCSC) August 15, 2025
Players come and go. The colors are for ever . All the best to Rafa
— David Valentin (@AFlorida_man76) August 15, 2025
Orlando City SC has acquired $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Rafael Santos, it was announced today. In addition, the Lions could receive up to $200,000 in additional GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met… pic.twitter.com/OhU5Uznmv4
— Loud and Proud Orlando (@lpo_podcast) August 15, 2025
I said it the moment Marin landed in Orlando! This move was crystal clear — Pareja had him in his plans from day one, but things didn’t click the way he wanted, and Brekalo stepped in to take the spot.#OrlandoCity https://t.co/erUxz4aKk0 pic.twitter.com/TFb0Pb2elJ
— Alonso El Inca (@alonso_inca) August 15, 2025
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