Rafael López Gómez (; born 9 April 1985), known as Rafa, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central defender.
Club career
Rafa was born in Peñafiel, Province of Valladolid, Castile and León. A product of Real Valladolid's youth system, he made his debut with the first team on 8 February 2004 in a 2–0 away defeat against RCD Espanyol, but only managed six appearances with the main squad over his first two professional seasons.
After a season-long loan at SD Eibar in the Segunda División, Rafa returned to help Valladolid regain their La Liga status in 2007. He played 21 league matches the following campaign.
Rafa agreed to join Getafe CF on a Bosman transfer in early July 2008. He would spend most of his first year as left-back, replacing out-of-form Lucas Licht who was sold shortly after.
In 2009–10, benefitting from consecutive injuries to Mario, Rafa was mostly first-choice. With 27 games and two goals from the player, the Madrid team finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the second time in their history.
On 1 September 2014, the last open day of the transfer window, Rafa transferred to newly-promoted SC Paderborn 07, signing a two-year contract. He made his Bundesliga debut on 22 November, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–2 home draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Rafa returned to his first club Valladolid on 13 July 2016, after agreeing to a three-year deal. The following 17 June, he left.
On 23 August 2017, the 32-year-old Rafa signed for Indian Super League franchise FC Pune City. He returned to Spain and its second division the following 7 July, joining CF Rayo Majadahonda on a one-year contract.