Rafael Quintas
Full name: Rafael José Mestre Quintas
Height: —
Youth career: Benfica
Current club: Benfica
Squad number: —
Current national team: Portugal U-17
Position: defensive midfielder, central midfielder
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: UEFA Youth League 2024/2025 (2/0), 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification elite round (3/0), 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship (3/1)
Contract until: 30/06/2027
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Angelo Stiller
Strengths:
– passing 
– vision
– technique
– ball control
– football IQ
– agility 
– first touch
– positioning
– tackling
– anticipation
To improve:
– strong for his frame and unafraid of physical contact or aerial duels, but still a relatively lightweight player who will need to invest significantly in his physical development
– final third presence and the effectiveness of his final ball, while also lacking a significant goal-scoring threat
– not particularly suited to ultra-intense, high-pressing systems, as his game leans more on control and positioning than relentless pressure
Style of play:
– deep-lying playmaker/midfield playmaker
– possesses the natural qualities of an orchestrator midfielder, capable of operating effectively across multiple midfield roles
– best deployed alongside a more physical midfielder who can offer defensive cover and complement his skillset
– ideally suited for possession-based tactical systems
– magnificent technical capacity and a sublime first touch, enabling him to dictate play and maintain fluidity in possession
– incisive passer with an excellent range, who frequently breaks lines with sharp, well-weighted deliveries that accelerate the tempo of play
– constantly demands the ball, frequently providing an extra passing option, actively influencing every action, and providing dynamism to the build-up
– enjoys having the ball at his feet and frequently drops deeper to receive it
– exceptional spatial awareness and an outstanding football IQ
– composed and astute decision-maker under pressure
– despite lacking physical strength, he shields the ball intelligently and operates well in tight spaces thanks to his balance and close control
– registers a high number of touches and passes per game
– effective back-foot defender who makes frequent interceptions thanks to his smart positioning, anticipation, and composure in 1v1 duels
– calm and level-headed, yet charismatic and equipped with strong leadership qualities
Talent Score:
Deep-lying playmaker: the main controller and creator from deep who’s fielded in front of the defence and dictates tempo using his good vision and passing ability at all distances; highly intelligent, technical, and press-resistant player (Andrea Pirlo, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets)
13–15: World-class talent level.
10–12: Top talent level.
7–9: High-potential talent level.
4–6: Solid youth level.
1–3: Developing / Limited talent level.
| Technical | Tactical | Physical | Mental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Passing 15 | Creativity 12 | Top Speed 9 | Concentration 14 |
| Long Passing 12 | Vision 15 | Acceleration 8 | Confidence 14 |
| Technical Capacity 14 | Press-resistance 14 | Agility 12 | Leadership 14 |
| Progressive Passing 14 | Football IQ 15 | Coordination 11 | Commitment 10 |
| Progressive Carries 11 | Mobility 9 | Reactions 10 | Tenacity 9 |
| Ball Striking 9 | Decision-making 14 | Physical Strength 9 | Work Rate 10 |
| Two-footedness 10 | Anticipation 12 | Aerial Ability 8 | Maturity 14 |
| Def 1vs1 10 | Def Positioning 10 | Stamina 12 | Winning mindset 13 |
| Average: 11.9 | Average: 12.6 | Average: 9.9 | Average: 13.3 |
Quintas reads the game intelligently and delivers a superb first-time pass that sets up a promising opportunity.
Holland intercepts the ball, effortlessly bypasses his opponent, and initiates a dangerous attack with a brilliant pass.
Holland demonstrates his vision, setting up a good opportunity with a brilliant chipped pass.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-2-3-1.
Video:
Achievements:
Portuguese U-14 Championship 2022/2023 winner with Benfica.
Portuguese U-16 Championship 2023/2024 winner with Benfica.
Portuguese U-18 Championship 2024/2025 winner with Benfica.
League summary (as of 6 June 2025):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Rafael Quintas is a product of Seixal, Benfica’s renowned youth academy. In May 2025, he emerged as one of the leaders of a talented Portugal side that reached the semi-finals, showcasing a brilliant generation including Mateus Mide, Gil Neves, Ricardo Neto, Mauro Furtado, Anísio, Bernardo Lima, and Stevan Manuel.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
9/10 
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links:
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