Exclusive: Brazilian defender Rafael Ribeiro set to sign for former ISL champions

Former Chapecoense centre-back set to join B.C. Jindal-owned club, which will relocate to New Delhi

Brazilian defender Rafael Ribeiro is all set to join the Indian Super League (ISL) as he has agreed to terms with Hyderabad FC, who are currently undergoing major changes both on and off the field.

The highly-rated centre-back becomes the second foreign signing for the team ahead of the 2025-26 season, following the retention of midfielder Andrei Alba.

Owned by the B.C. Jindal Group, Hyderabad FC are on the verge of being relocated and rebranded in New Delhi, with an official announcement expected soon after club wrote officially to AIFF & FSDL about their plan for relocation. The group took over the club just before the 2024-25 ISL season began, stepping in amid mounting financial issues left behind by the previous owners, Spartek Ceramics.

These included unpaid and undeclared dues to players, vendors, and agents, some dating back to their ISL title-winning 2021-22 campaign.

Despite a turbulent year filled with logistical and operational hurdles in Hyderabad, the B.C. Jindal Group is pressing ahead with its vision to rebuild. Moving the club to the national capital is a major part of that plan.

A journey from Rio to New Delhi

Rafael Ribeiro, born in Rio de Janeiro, brings a wealth of experience from Brazilian leagues. The 6’3 centre-back came through the youth ranks at Série C side Náutico, eventually making over 100 senior appearances in Série B, Série C, and other regional competitions.

In 2021, he earned a loan move to Série A outfit Fluminense, though limited game time meant he couldn’t secure a permanent transfer. He later had short stints at Vitória (Série A) and Chapecoense (Série B), making 13 appearances across both clubs.

In 2024, Ribeiro joined Série C club Figueirense FC, where he made 20 appearances, including 11 in the national third tier. In 2025, he signed for Velo Clube-SP, a team competing in the historic Paulistão league in São Paulo state.

“Rafael Ribeiro has decided to join Hyderabad FC on a one-year deal, with the option to extend for another season. He’s highly rated in Brazilian domestic football and is expected to be a great asset for the club,” a source tracking the deal told Khel Now.

A fresh start for Hyderabad FC in Capital City

Ribeiro’s arrival comes at a time of transition for Hyderabad FC, who are also set to appoint former Kerala Blasters interim coach Tomasz Tchórz as their new head coach for the 2025-26 season.

As the club prepares for a new chapter in New Delhi under the B.C. Jindal banner, the signing of Rafael Ribeiro could signal the start of a fresh recruitment strategy — one that may open the door for other ISL teams to explore lesser-known but talented profiles from Brazil’s domestic leagues.

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