St. Louis CITY sign defender Rafael Santos

The Brazilian left back joins on a free transfer through 2027 with options

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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St. Louis CITY SC have signed defender Rafael Santos via free agency, the club announced on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Brazilian left back is under contract through June 2027 with options through the 2028-29 season. Santos had 1 goal and 3 assists in 7 appearances for the Colorado Rapids last season after arriving in a midseason trade from Orlando City, where he produced 2 goals and 8 assists in 96 appearances across all competitions.

Why it matters

The signing of Rafael Santos bolsters St. Louis CITY's defensive depth as they prepare for their second MLS season. Santos brings valuable experience from his previous stints with the Colorado Rapids and Orlando City, and his attacking prowess as a left-back could provide an additional offensive threat for the expansion club.

The details

St. Louis CITY SC sporting director Corey Wray praised Santos, saying "Rafael has proven experience in MLS and will be a strong addition to our roster as we prepare for this season. He's a dynamic, attacking left back who has spent several years in this league gaining valuable experience, and that will make him a great fit for our locker room." Santos is St. Louis' second newcomer this offseason, joining midfielder Daniel Edelman in a trade from Red Bull New York.

  • Rafael Santos signed with St. Louis CITY SC on January 27, 2026.

The players

Rafael Santos

A 27-year-old Brazilian left-back who has previous MLS experience with the Colorado Rapids and Orlando City.

Corey Wray

The sporting director of St. Louis CITY SC.

Daniel Edelman

A midfielder who was traded to St. Louis CITY SC from Red Bull New York this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Rafael has proven experience in MLS and will be a strong addition to our roster as we prepare for this season. He's a dynamic, attacking left back who has spent several years in this league gaining valuable experience, and that will make him a great fit for our locker room.”

— Corey Wray, Sporting Director, St. Louis CITY SC (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

St. Louis CITY SC will open their 2026 MLS season on February 21 against Charlotte FC.

The takeaway

The signing of Rafael Santos demonstrates St. Louis CITY's commitment to building a competitive roster for their second MLS season, as they add an experienced and versatile left-back to bolster their defensive and offensive capabilities.