PSIM Yogyakarta retires number 91 for Rafinha

PSIM Yogyakarta made a symbolic decision rich in historical meaning. The club nicknamed Laskar Mataram officially retired the number 91 jersey, the number synonymous with Brazilian striker Rafael de Sa Rodrigues or Rafinha, even though the player has continued his career with PSIS Semarang.

This step was taken as a tribute to Rafinha's significant contribution to PSIM's journey back to the top tier of Indonesian Football after a long 18-year wait.

“The jersey number retired, the legacy lives on. PSIM Jogja announces that jersey number 91 is permanently retired in honor of Rafael de Sa Rodrigues,” wrote PSIM's official Instagram, quoted Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

This decision confirms that Rafinha's role was not measured solely by statistics, but also by the historical impact he left behind. Last season, Rafinha was the central figure in PSIM's success winning Liga 2 and securing promotion. He scored 20 goals in 22 matches, a record that placed him among the most prolific strikers in the competition.

One of the most iconic goals came in the Liga 2 final match against Bhayangkara Presisi FC at Manahan Stadium, Solo. Rafinha's goal helped PSIM achieve a 2-1 victory and secure the Champion status and promotion to Liga 1.

However, Rafinha's journey at the top level did not go as expected. This season, in the Super League, he struggled to get playing time. From the 15 matches PSIM has played, Rafinha has only appeared three times, all as a substitute.

PSIM coach, Jean-Paul van Gastel, entrusted the main striker role to Nermin Haljeta, who has performed consistently with four goals and three assists. This situation led Rafinha to decide to seek a new challenge to maintain his career continuity.

The choice fell to PSIS Semarang, a club currently competing in Liga 2 or the Championship. With Laskar Mahesa Jenar, Rafinha is expected to bring his experience and sharpness to help the team escape a difficult situation. PSIS itself remains stuck at the bottom of Group B with five points from 13 matches.

“We discussed to find the best solution together. Finally, we agreed to release Rafa (nickname for Rafael De Sa Rodrigues) to PSIS Semarang,” said PSIM Manager Razzi Taruna.

For Rafinha, leaving Yogyakarta was not an easy decision. He admitted to having a strong emotional bond with PSIM, the supporters, and the city of Jogja, which had become an important part of his career.

“I feel like I will never experience moments like this again. My feelings now are mixed, between sadness and happiness,” said the 33-year-old Brazilian striker.

Despite parting ways, Rafinha still holds great hope for his former club. He wants to see PSIM continue to develop and compete consistently in the top ranks of the Super League.

Currently, PSIM occupies fifth place in the Standings with 24 points. They are the promoted team with the best performance compared to the two other newcomers, Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC in 10th place and Persijap Jepara still battling in the relegation zone at 17th place.

“Keep fighting for this club. I hope all the players work hard and never give up,” he said.

By retiring the number 91 jersey, PSIM is not just releasing a player, but also immortalizing an important chapter in Club History, a chapter that will always remind the Jogja public of Rafinha's role in restoring the glory of Laskar Mataram.