Rafaelle Souza is the first Brazilian ever to represent Arsenal Women. The mens team has a rich heritage of Brazilian players such as Gilberto Silva and Edu.
– I’m very thankful for everything China has given me. But it feels awesome to be in such a strong and professional league. I am so happy and excited to be apart of it. You and CMG did a great job. Truly thankful for everything you have done plus helping me make this very important (next) step of my career. I cannot wait to get started with Arsenal and to see the facilities, which are unbelievable, and meet everyone, who all have been so kind, I feel extremely grateful, says Rafaelle Souza.
The NT player Souza just signed a contract with the British club after playing in China for the last 6 years. The 30 year old experienced defender, also the captain of the Brazilian NT, is considered one of the best in the word in her position. Beside representing Changchun Zhuoyue in the Chinese Women’s Super League and the Brazil national team, she has played for the University of Mississippi during her college soccer career in the United States and spent the 2014 season playing for Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
– I have said it before and am sticking to it: Rafaelle Souza, at this moment, should be considered one of best central defenders in the world! However, she simply hasn’t had the club experience or week in/week out competition to prove it. That is why, after many incredible offers and weighing out some very hard decisions, we knew Arsenal would be the best fit to give her this platform and opportunity. We are all so excited to watch her, in the months to come, and well for everyone else to realize just how special of a player but even more so human being that she is. Rafa deserves it all, says Ella Masar, Client Manager at CMG.