FK Auda has officially announced the signing of Brazilian center-back Rafael Pontelo on loan from Sporting CP. The 22-year-old defender becomes the club’s seventh addition ahead of the 2025 Virslīga season, as the team prepares in Turkey for the upcoming campaign.
Pontelo, born on January 22, 2003, started his footballing journey at America Mineiro’s academy before moving through the youth systems of Bela Vista and Ponte Preta. In 2022, he joined Spanish club Real Valladolid on loan, later moving to Cruzeiro before making a €700,000 transfer to Sporting CP in January 2024. However, he struggled for playing time, making only one appearance for Sporting’s first team before being loaned to Cypriot club Pafos FC for the 2024 season.
His playing time has been limited throughout his career, with only 31 total appearances and 2,084 minutes played across various competitions. At Pafos, he featured in just four league games (203 minutes) and had brief stints in the UEFA Conference League and domestic cup matches.
FK Auda now provides Pontelo with a new opportunity to establish himself and gain consistent minutes in Latvia’s top flight. The club will be hoping he can strengthen their defensive line and reach his full potential.
