Brazilian Judoka Rafaela Silva Wins Gold at World Judo Masters in Budapest
Rafaela Silva, Olympic and world judo champion, added another prestigious title to her career by winning gold in the -57kg category at the 2025 IJF World Judo Masters in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30, 2025. Her victory reinforces her return to elite form and boosts Brazil’s medal outlook for the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
This win also marks her third major international title in less than a year, showing she remains a powerful force in a highly competitive weight class.
Path to the Podium
Rafaela faced a challenging bracket that included multiple top-10 ranked opponents. Her route to gold included:
- Round of 16: Defeated Theresa Stoll (GER) by waza-ari
- Quarterfinal: Defeated Haruka Funakubo (JPN) with an ippon in golden score
- Semifinal: Defeated Nora Gjakova (KOS), Olympic champion, with a tactical osoto-gari
- Final: Defeated Jessica Klimkait (CAN), 2021 world champion, in a tight match won by shido penalties
The final was a technical and strategic contest, with both athletes showing high-level grips and defense. Rafaela’s ability to control the tempo and force errors from Klimkait gave her the edge.
A Champion’s Resurgence
Now 33 years old, Silva continues to prove her relevance on the world stage. After a controversial suspension in 2019 and recovery from injury in 2022, she has returned more focused and experienced.
In the past 12 months, she has:
- Won gold at the 2024 Pan American Judo Championships
- Earned silver at the Grand Slam in Tel Aviv
- Finished top 5 at the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi
Her recent performances have placed her firmly back in the top 5 of the IJF World Rankings.
Strategic Precision
Known for her explosive seoi-nage and gripping tactics, Rafaela adapted her style in Budapest to favor counter-attacks and strategic patience. Her match management and penalty control demonstrated a more mature approach.
Coach Mario Tsutsui noted:
“She’s stronger mentally. Rafaela knows when to press and when to wait. This version of her is dangerous for anyone.”
Brazilian Judo in Strong Form
Silva’s victory is part of a broader success for Brazil at the Budapest Masters:
- Mayra Aguiar secured bronze in -78kg
- Daniel Cargnin reached the quarterfinal in -73kg
- Beatriz Souza placed 5th in +78kg
Brazil is now projected to qualify at least 10 athletes for the 2025 World Judo Championships in Tokyo and has strong potential for multiple Olympic spots.
Representation and Legacy
Rafaela Silva remains one of Brazil’s most inspiring athletes. Born in the Cidade de Deus favela in Rio, she became Brazil’s first-ever female judo Olympic gold medalist at Rio 2016.
She frequently speaks about:
- The role of sports in social mobility
- Fighting racism and inequality in Brazilian sports
- The importance of supporting women in combat sports
Her visibility continues to empower new generations of judokas across Brazil.
Looking Ahead
Silva’s next key competitions include:
- 2025 World Championships – Tokyo, Japan (August)
- Pan American Games preparation cycle
- National training camp in São Paulo focused on Olympic scouting
With renewed energy, experience, and a clear Olympic goal, Silva may be heading toward another legendary chapter.
Conclusion: Veteran Strength, Timeless Excellence
Rafaela Silva’s gold medal in Budapest is a powerful reminder that champions evolve—but never fade. As she marches toward her fourth Olympic cycle, Brazil celebrates not just her victories, but everything she represents.