Rafael Schmitz is a Brazilian footballer. Schmitz, born in Blumenau, is a commanding central defender who is good in the air but also very agile and has good passing ability. Schmitz spent six seasons with Lille OSC, for whom he played 99 Ligue 1 games and appeared in the Champions League and UEFA Cup. He joined Birmingham City on loan for the 2007?08 season on July 6, 2007. He made his Birmingham debut as a very late substitute on September 15, 2007 against Bolton Wanderers, and his first start on October 20, 2007 against Manchester City in place of the injured Johan Djourou. He returned to Lille following Birmingham's relegation at the end of the season. On June 23, 2008, Schmitz signed a three-year contract with Valenciennes FC. 

December 17th, 1980 in Blumenau (Age 43)