Macarthur FC have secured the services of promising Young Socceroos forward Raphael Borges Rodrigues on a two-season deal.
Raphael arrives in Campbelltown after four seasons at Melbourne City; he made his Isuzu UTE A-League debut for the club in 2020, going on to make 12 league appearances.
The Western Strikers SC junior is a South Australian product. Son of former Adelaide United striker Cristiano, the teenager has represented Australia with the Young Socceroos – most recently at the 2023 U20 Asian Cup.
He says he “can’t wait to get started” at the Bulls, joining Mile Sterjovski’s side as they look to rebound from a wooden spoon finish in 2022-23.
“I have heard great things about the club, the environment within the team and I’m really excited to get to work with Mile,” he said. “I believe in the project he’s building at the club and how he wants to play. I want to contribute to the future success of the club.”
Sterjovski added: “We are really happy to have Raphael on board this season. He’s a talented youngster with a great future.”
“He’s already broken into the A-League, he has played for the Australian youth teams and we think he has got a bright career ahead of him. Raphael is an exciting attacking player and I think the Bulls’ fans will enjoy watching him this season.”
Raphael is Macarthur’s third signing of the off-season after Clayton Lewis (Wellington Phoenix) and Matthew Jurman (Newcastle Jets).
