Rafael ("Rafa") Benitez Maudes, (born 16 April 1960 in Madrid, Spain), is a football manager, appointed on 16 June 2004 as the manager of Liverpool F.C. in England in succession to Gérard Houllier.

In 1982 he obtained a degree in Physical Education at the National Institute of Physical Education (INE) assigned to the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

As a footballer, he played in the lower teams of Real Madrid from the 1973/74 season until the 1980/81 season. In 1981 he signed up for AD Parla, where he played in the 3rd and 2nd Division B of the Spanish League in the 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84 and 1984/85 seasons. He ended his playing career at Linares CF, playing in the 2nd Division B in the 1985/86 season.

As a manager, his achievements include:

• League Championship with Castilla "B", seasons 1986/87 and 1988/89.
• Preferente League Champion with Real Madrid CF Youth team, season 1989/90.
• Cup Champion with Real Madrid CF Under-19, season 1990/91
• League and Cup Champion with Real Madrid CF Under-19, season 1992/93.
• Promotion to 1st Division with Extremadura CF, season 1997/98.
• Promotion to 1st Division with CD Tenerife, season 2000/01.
• Spanish League Championship with Valencia C.F., season 2001/02.
• Spanish League Championship and UEFA Cup with Valencia C.F., season 2003/04.

Benitez has been noted for his cool character and humble attitude.