In 2008, he was promoted to the main squad in the Série B, and made his debut on 29 November of that year, starting in a 0–2 loss at América de Natal,[1] as Timão were already champions and both Felipe and Júlio César (first and second choices, respectively) were already on vacation.

In June 2011, after being sparingly used by Corinthians, Rafael Santos moved to fellow Série A side Avaí on loan until the end of the year.

On 27 June 2014, Rafael Santos moved to Icasa also in the second division,[7] but signed a short-term deal with fellow league side Portuguesa ten days later.

[10] Back to Madura for the 2017 Campeonato Carioca, Rafael Santos moved to Bahia in the top tier on 12 May 2017,[11] but was only a backup option.

Rafael Santos started the 2022 season ahead of Felipe Garcia, but subsequently became a second-choice and joined Operário Ferroviário on 9 November of that year.