On 9 January 2013, it was announced that he would join D.C. United as a young designated player on a one-year loan[1] with a pre-negotiated option to make the move permanent.
[2] He scored his first goal for the team in his debut game on 23 March, a 2–1 home defeat to the Columbus Crew.
[4] In July 2015, Rafael Gladiador transferred to China League One side Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard.
[5] On 5 July 2019, Rafael Gladiador signed with Paços de Ferreira after a stint in Brazil with Cabofriense.
[6] However, he didn't play any games for the club, before he returned to Brazil, signing with Patrocinense in December 2019.