Rapahel Vieira De Oliveira, for all Rapha, is recognized as one of the most representative players among those who have worn the Tonno Callipo Volley jersey. One of those players who, thanks to his deeds on the pitch, as well as his great affability and humanity, has managed to win a special place in the hearts of all Giallorossi fans.
Upon hearing the news of his decision to retire from competitive activity, Tonno Callipo Volley extends its warm greetings and thanks to the Brazilian setter who landed in Vibo in the summer of 2006 and then became the protagonist of three yellow and red years, two of which in A1 (52 matches, 189 sets, 113 points, 23 aces) and one, as captain, in A2 which ended with the sensational promotion to the top division in 2008. For the forty-four year old athlete, who in three decades of activity has accumulated trophies and individual awards – obtained with the green and gold national team and with the many clubs in Italy, Brazil, Russia and Turkey – the Vibonese experience was in fact the springboard for a brilliant career whose debut in the Italian Championship took place with Tonno Callipo: intercepted when he was in force at Kazan, the Calabrian managers did everything to ensure the performance of one of the most promising setters in the world, although young.
