Rafael Lobato was announced as a reinforcement for Rio Ave for the 2025/26 season. Rio Ave reached an agreement with Botafogo, Brazil, for the definitive transfer of the young player, with whom they signed a contract valid for the next four seasons. The 19-year-old winger has already joined Sotiris Sylaidopoulos's training session this morning.

The young Brazilian winger, aged 19, is on the verge of transferring from Botafogo to Rio Ave. He is anticipated to sign a three-year contract with the Portuguese club, with Botafogo retaining a percentage of the player's economic rights, estimated to be between 30 to 40 percent. The deal is progressing smoothly, and it is likely that Rafael Lobato will travel to Portugal shortly to join Rio Ave's squad, which is currently in a training camp in Quiaios. During the previous year, Lobato appeared in 11 games and contributed two assists for Botafogo's first team. Should the transfer be completed soon, he might take part in Rio Ave's upcoming friendly matches, including a scheduled game against Aves SAD tomorrow at the Centro de Estágios Rosa Náutica in Quiaios.