(Toloi) The story behind this trend in Social Media today
03-10-2026
Toloi trending today refers to Rafael Tolói, the Brazilian-born defender who plays for São Paulo and also holds Italian citizenship.He returned to São Paulo in August 2025 after roughly a decade in Italy, mostly with Atalanta, where he was a regular and captained the side at times. He also played for Italy and was part of the squad that won Euro 2020. His second spell at the Morumbi has been limited by injuries (thigh, calf, and hip problems) and competition for places. Reports in late September said he would not trigger an automatic contract extension into 2027 because he had appeared in only about a quarter of the club’s matches this season, well short of the participation target in his deal. He is also among the higher earners on the squad.He started in the delayed Brasileirão match against Santos at the Morumbis on the night of 2 October 2026 (into the early hours of 3 October UTC). São Paulo lost 1–2. One of Santos’ goals, scored by Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), came after Tolói was beaten and left on the ground in the area. Clips of that moment, plus wider frustration with São Paulo’s defense and recent signings, pushed his name up the trends in Brazil and worldwide. Reactions online have mostly been critical of his form and minutes relative to his salary, mixed with some comments that he at least limited the damage.