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One of the new signings for Santos FC in 2025, midfielder Zé Rafael is eager to return to the pitch after undergoing an unprecedented surgery in football. The player, who had been struggling with a lower back condition called spondylolisthesis, is showing significant progress and is excited about his comeback to defend the Peixe jersey. Last year, Zé Rafael was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, a condition where two vertebrae become misaligned, causing severe pain and varying degrees of functional limitation.

At the time, a conservative treatment plan was recommended, with alternating phases of improvement and setbacks, reducing his ability to perform at full intensity. “It was a tough situation. I was in pain for everything, not just for training and playing, but even with basic daily activities,” said the players. “I played the whole year in pain, limited, and of course, that affected my performance. At the level we play at, being 100% fit is already tough, but when you’re below that, it gets even harder.”

From the start of negotiations, Santos FC’s medical department, led by Dr. Rodrigo Zogaib, was in close contact with Zé Rafael and began assessing his condition and possible treatment options to ensure he could return to full fitness. After extensive discussions, it was decided that only surgical treatment would provide Zé Rafael with the best chance for a full recovery. This decision was approved by Santos FC’s board, his former club, and the player himself.

The surgery was performed on February 6 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo by Dr. Alberto Godfrid. The procedure involved using autologous bone grafts (a surgical method where the patient’s own bone is used to repair bone injuries), alongside metallic implants to perform what is known as “intervertebral arthrodesis,” reducing the mobility at the site of the slippage, which was causing pain and difficulty with certain movements.

“When I first saw the specialist, it was a bit of a shock, right? Because when you hear about back surgery, it sounds very serious, very delicate. But he gave me complete reassurance, confidence, and the experience he has in performing this procedure multiple times. That made me feel more at ease, knowing I could undergo the procedure calmly and be able to return to top-level competition,” he recalled.

Since then, Zé Rafael has spent four weeks undergoing mixed physiotherapy, alternating between sessions in São Paulo under the supervision of the Santos FC medical team and the surgeon, as well as training at the club’s CT Rei Pelé. The player has now entered the second phase of his rehabilitation, working daily at the club, doing exercises with resistance, in the pool, and on the ground. He’s thrilled to report that he no longer experiences the pain that had plagued him for so long.

“I’m recovering much faster than expected, and I’m really happy with the progress. From the day after surgery, I felt a difference in my body. I no longer felt the same pain that had bothered me for a long time. As for the recovery, I’m really thankful to the doctors, the medical team at Santos FC, the physiotherapy team, and also my personal team, who helped me during the off-periods from the club,” Zé Rafael expressed.

He emphasized that his recovery is steady and progressive. “I’m progressing really quickly, even more than we expected, and I’m very happy with that. Since the day after the surgery, I’ve felt a difference. The pain that used to bother me for such a long time is gone. I must thank the doctors, the medical team at Santos FC, the physiotherapists, and my personal team, who helped me during the times I was not at the club,” he added.

Zé Rafael’s Career at Palmeiras

Before joining Santos FC, Zé Rafael made a significant mark at Palmeiras, where he played an integral role in the team’s midfield. Arriving in 2019 from Bahia, Zé Rafael quickly became a key player, known for his work rate, vision, and passing ability. Over his years at Palmeiras, he contributed to the club’s success in domestic and international competitions, helping the team secure multiple titles, including the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and the Campeonato Paulista in 2020 and 2022.