Raniele

Raniele Almeida Melo (born 31 December 1996), simply known as Raniele, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Corinthians. Mainly a defensive midfielder, he can also play as a central defender.

Early career
Born in Baixa Grande, Bahia, Raniele played for Fernandópolis' under-20 squad before finishing his formation with Ferroviária. He made his senior debut with the latter on 10 July 2016, starting in a 0–0 Copa Paulista away draw against Rio Claro.

Raniele helped AFE to win the 2017 Copa Paulista, but was loaned to Taubaté on 4 December 2017. He again reached the finals of the Copa Paulista with Ferroviária in 2018, before moving to Penapolense on loan for the 2019 Campeonato Paulista Série A2.

Back at Ferroviária for the 2019 Série D, Raniele renewed his contract until 2022 with the club but moved to Portuguesa on loan on 25 November 2019. He was a starter at Lusa before moving to Jacuipense of the Série C on 16 July 2020.

On 7 December 2020, while owned by Jacuipense, Raniele signed for Botafogo-SP for the remainder of the 2020 Série B. The following 10 February, he moved to Série A side Bahia, initially for the under-23 squad.

Raniele made his top tier debut on 25 July 2021, coming on as a late substitute for Jonas in a 3–0 away loss against Atlético Mineiro. He featured in another ten league matches during the year, as Bahia suffered relegation.

Avaí
On 28 January 2022, Raniele was presented at Avaí, also in the first division. He scored his first goal in the category on 10 April, netting the winner in a 1–0 home success over América Mineiro, and was an ever-present figure to the side before again suffering relegation; on 16 December, he signed a permanent three-year contract with the club.

Cuiabá
On 31 March 2023, Raniele joined Cuiabá back in the top tier on a four-year deal; the club paid R$ 3.65 million for 65% of his economic rights.

Corinthians
On 2 January 2024, it was announced that Corinthians signed Raniele on a five-year deal after paying € 2.5 million for 60% of his economic rights, with the other 40% remaining with Cuiabá. Should he play in at least 60% of the club's games during the first season, Corinthians will be obliged to pay another € 500,000 to acquire other 10% of his economic rights.

Personal life
Raniele is brother of the also footballer Eric.

Honours
Ferroviária
 * Copa Paulista: 2017

Bahia
 * Copa do Nordeste: 2021