Hubbry Logo
RaphinhaRaphinhaMain
Open search
Raphinha
Community hub
Raphinha
logo
42 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Raphinha
Raphinha
from Wikipedia

Raphael Dias Belloli (born 14 December 1996), known as Raphinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for La Liga club Barcelona and the Brazil national team. Known for his pace, dribbling and finishing, he is considered one of the best players in the world.[4][5]

Key Information

Raphinha began his career with Brazilian club Avaí, before signing for the Portuguese Vitória de Guimarães in 2016, where he made his professional debut. In 2018, he joined fellow Primeira Liga club Sporting CP, winning the double of the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga in 2019.

After having played for Rennes and Leeds United, Raphinha signed for Spanish club Barcelona in 2022 for a transfer worth €58 million (£50 million). Despite initially struggling, in 2024–25, Raphinha had his breakthrough season, being integral to Barcelona winning a domestic treble of the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, while also finishing as the Champions League's top scorer.

After never being capped at youth level, Raphinha made his senior international debut in 2021 and was part of Brazil's squads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

Early life

[edit]

Raphinha was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil where he grew up in Restinga, a favela far from the city centre.[6][7][8] His father is of Italian descent and his mother is mixed-race Brazilian.[9] His father was a jobbing musician.[10] He had a difficult upbringing where he describes sharing a bedroom with his parents, younger brother and pets; struggling to pay travel costs and at points having to beg for food.[6]

At age seven, Raphinha attended Ronaldinho's birthday party due to his father and uncle's relationship with the player and have since become friends.[6]

Before starting his professional football career, Raphinha participated in the várzea tournaments until the age of 18,[11] which he describes as "a network of independent matches and tournaments organised by the local community" below academy level in which any prospective player is allowed to participate.[6] The matches in these tournaments are played under harsh conditions, including home fans harassing opponent team players near changing rooms before matches, gunshots, clay pitches with dust and sand, intense heat, posts instead of nets and shirtless teams due to the lack of shirts/jerseys.[6]

Raphinha has a long-standing friendship with Bruno Fernandes, starting before they became teammates at Sporting CP.[6] He is on record saying Fernandes has been a huge help to him and his footballing career.[6] Before joining Leeds United in the Premier League for example, Fernandes told him that his style would "fit the league".[6]

Club career

[edit]

Avaí

[edit]

After unsuccessful trials with Internacional and Grêmio, Raphinha started his career playing youth football with Imbituba, where he was later scouted by Avaí.[10] At 18 years old, Raphinha started his career with the Avaí's

Vitória de Guimarães

[edit]
Raphinha (behind) playing for Vitória de Guimarães in 2017

On 2 February 2016, Raphinha signed for Portuguese side Vitória de Guimarães, having been scouted at the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior by Deco, who signed him to his agency, D20 Sports, and arranged his transfer to Vitória.[10][12] He made his debut for the Vimaranenses on 13 March 2016 against Paços de Ferreira.[13] He scored his first goal for the club against Marítimo on 20 August 2016.[14] He made his first appearance in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League on 14 September 2017 against Red Bull Salzburg.[14] He won the Vitória Guimarães Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2017.[15] He scored 18 goals during 43 games (in all competitions) during the 2017–18 Primeira Liga season for Vitória de Guimarães.[8]

Sporting CP

[edit]

In May 2018, Raphinha transferred to Portuguese club Sporting CP until 2019.[16] He made his debut on 12 August against Moreirense. He scored his first goal for the club on 20 September 2018 against Qarabag in the 2–0 victory in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League.[17] He struggled in finishing with only four goals and as many assists, in particular due to a muscle injury which hampered his progress, but was a part of the side that won the 2018–19 Taça da Liga and Taça de Portugal, scoring a penalty in the penalty shootout victory against Porto.[18][14]

Rennes

[edit]

Raphinha signed for Ligue 1 club Rennes in 2019, with a transfer fee around €21 million,[19] the club's record signing.[14] He scored and gained an assist in his final game for the club during the 2020–21 Ligue 1 fixture against Reims in a 2–2 draw on 4 October 2020.[20] He scored eight goals and gained seven assists during his time at the club, where he helped Rennes to a third-place finish and qualify for the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League during the 2019–20 Ligue 1 season.[21]

Leeds United

[edit]
Raphinha with Leeds United in 2021

On 5 October 2020, Raphinha joined Premier League club Leeds United on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £17 million, or about €20 Million.[22][23]

On 19 October 2020, Raphinha made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.[24] His full debut was at home to Arsenal on 22 November 2020.[25] On 28 November 2020, Raphinha scored his first Leeds goal in a 1–0 away win over Everton.[26] His winning goal secured Leeds' first ever Premier League win at Goodison Park and their first league win at Everton since 1990.[27] He finished the season with six goals, all from league fixtures.[citation needed]

Raphinha scored his first goal of the season on 21 August 2021, in Leeds' first home game, a low-struck 72nd-minute equaliser from just inside the penalty area, in a 2–2 result against Everton,[28] which was nominated as one of the Premier League's Goals of the Month for August.[29][30]

Raphinha ended the season as Leeds' top goalscorer with 11 goals, including the first goal of the game in the 2–1 away win against Brentford on the last day of the season, from the penalty spot after being fouled by the Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, confirming Leeds' Premier League status.[31]

Over the summer transfer window, Chelsea had an agreement in place with Leeds to sign him, with both clubs agreeing a fee worth of £55 million, despite Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur's interest. However, Raphinha's preferred a move to Barcelona, despite their financial struggles. This led to Raphinha flying to Barcelona to complete a deal, being left out of Leeds's squad for their pre-season tour to Australia in order to finalise a transfer.[32][33]

Barcelona

[edit]

On 15 July 2022, Raphinha signed for La Liga club Barcelona on a five-year contract for a reported initial fee of £50m, potentially rising to £55 million in add-ons.[34][35] He was initially presented without a name or number on his shirt due to registration issues, with the club needing to sell players to register players and make new signings.[36]

2022–23: Adaptation to Spain and La Liga title

[edit]

On 13 August, Raphinha made his debut for the club in 0–0 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the league.[37] On 3 September, he scored his first goal for Blaugrana in a 3–0 victory over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.[38] On 13 September, he made his continental debut for the club starting in the 2–0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.[39] At the end of the group stage, Barcelona finished third, which put them in the Europa League knockout round play-offs for the second consecutive season.[40] Signed to be a replacement for struggling Ousmane Dembélé, both competed for a starting spot with manager Xavi insisting that he wanted to keep both players, hoping to breed competition between them for starting spots on a team that was short on wingers.[41] Over the course of the season, Dembélé's resurgence in form limited his opportunities to impress at his preferred right-wing position.[41]

On 16 January 2023, Barcelona won the 2023 Supercopa de España final, following a 3–1 victory over rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico, winning his first title with the club.[42] On 16 February, Raphinha assisted and scored in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United in a knockout round play-off in the Europa League at the Camp Nou.[43] Barcelona was eliminated from the tournament after losing 2–1 at the away leg at Old Trafford.[44] At the second part of the season, he was handed a chance to impress when Dembélé picked up a muscle injury, but was inconsistent over that period, leading Raphinha to be in and out of the starting XI.[41] On 14 May, he assisted Robert Lewandowski's second goal, as Barcelona defeated Espanyol 4–2 in the Derbi Barceloní, confirming them as La Liga champions.[45][46]

2023–24: Struggles and La Liga runner-up

[edit]

After missing part of the new season, Raphinha struggled to meet the expectations of fans and Barcelona's management in La Liga, despite support from his manager Xavi. He eventually lost his spot in the starting XI to young prospect Lamine Yamal, who had already scored during Raphinha's absence due to injury and at the end of the first part of the season, he had scored only three goals.[47][48][49][50]

Despite a disappointing overall season, Raphinha played a key role in Barcelona's Champions League campaign, being involved in two goals in their 3–1 win over Napoli on 12 March, in the home leg, knocking them out with a 4–2 aggregate score.[51] On 10 April 2024, he scored his first Champions League goal by netting a brace in a 3–2 away win against Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in the quarter-final first leg,[52] and awarded as the Player of the Match.[53] In the return leg at home, despite scoring the opening goal, the Parisian team overturned the aggregate score with a 4–1 win, eliminating Barça.[54]

2024–25: Breakthrough season and goalscoring achievements

[edit]

Despite recording 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances in his previous season, Raphinha's future at the Spanish club was uncertain and with Xavi leaving the managerial role, he was linked with a move away from the club, in order for Barcelona to raise funds amid their financial difficulties.[55][56] He was the recipient of a contract offer worth €90 million from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with Barcelona's sporting director Deco informing his agent to look for another team for him.[57][58][59] However, Hansi Flick, who replaced Xavi as the new manager, decided to keep him.[60][61][62] Highlighting his importance to the team, Flick named him as one of the team's captains for the season.[63]

Flick began his tenure with a different tactical approach than his predecessor, he positioned Raphinha centrally, behind Robert Lewandowski and flanked by wingers, which saw his form improve dramatically. On 31 August 2024, he scored his first hat-trick for Barcelona in a 7–0 thrashing at home against Real Valladolid in a La Liga match.[64] Later that year, on 23 October, he scored a hat-trick in the Champions League in a 4–1 home win against Bayern Munich in the group stage and was named Player of the Match.[65] A few days later, on 26 October, he netted his first goal in El Clásico and provided an assist in a 4–0 away win over Real Madrid.[66] During the match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Raphinha and his Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati were targeted with racial abuse by a group of home supporters.[67]

On 12 January 2025, Raphinha was named Player of the Match,[68] after scoring a brace and providing an assist in a 5–2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final.[69] On 21 January, he was named player of the match once again, after leading Barcelona to a comeback victory against Benfica in the Champions League. He contributed a brace, including a decisive goal in injury time, to secure a 5–4 away win.[70] On 5 March, in the Champions League round of 16, Raphinha scored the only goal of an away win over Benfica, whilst being one man down[71] and scored two goals and provided an assist on 11 March in the second leg of a 3–1 home win, securing a 4–1 aggregate victory and qualify to the quarter-finals of the tournament.[72] On 9 April, he equaled Lionel Messi's record for goal involvements in a Champions League season of 19, set in the 2011–12 season, after scoring and assisting twice in a 4–0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.[73][74] On 30 April, in the first leg of the semi-finals, he surpassed Messi's record with 20 goal contributions, after assisting in the 3–3 draw against Inter Milan.[75] In the second leg, on 6 May, despite scoring his side's third goal, after being two goals down, Inter Milan cameback and Barcelona lost the match 4–3, being eliminated in the semi-finals of the tournament.[76] Raphinha finished his Champions League campaign as joint top scorer with 13 goals, alongside Serhou Guirassy, and also led the tournament in assists with nine.[77] On 11 May, he scored two goals against Real Madrid as Barcelona went on to win 4–3.[78]

On 22 May 2025, Raphinha extended his contract with Barcelona until 30 June 2028.[79]

International career

[edit]
Raphinha (right) with Brazil playing against Serbia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Prior to UEFA Euro 2020, the Italian Football Federation attempted to call up Raphinha for the Italian national team, for whom Raphinha was eligible due to his father's heritage. Raphinha has stated that he was close to representing Italy, but did not receive an Italian passport in time to represent them at the tournament.[80]

In August 2021, Raphinha was selected to represent Brazil for the team's World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Argentina and Peru.[81] On 7 October, Raphinha made his full debut for the national side, coming on as a substitute at half time in a 3–1 comeback win against Venezuela.[82] He assisted two goals and won a penalty in 45 minutes on the pitch, receiving praise from sports pundits and fans.[83] On 15 October, he scored his first two international goals in a qualifying match against Uruguay.[84]

On 7 November 2022, Raphinha was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by manager Tite.[85] Brazil reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were eliminated by Croatia on 9 December, following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out loss after a 1–1 draw.[86]

On 10 May, Raphinha was called up for Brazil to participate in the 2024 Copa América.[87] He scored his only goal of the tournament against Colombia in their third group phase game, in a 1–1 draw.[88] Brazil were eliminated from the tournament following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out defeat after a goalless draw against Uruguay in the quarter-finals.[89][90]

Style of play

[edit]

Raphinha is a versatile winger known for his technical ability, agility, pace and defensive work rate. Primarily operating on the right-wing, he uses his left foot to cut inside, creating goal-scoring opportunities or delivering passes into dangerous areas. His dribbling, characterized by close control, rapid changes of direction, and a blend of speed and creativity, allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. A proficient passer, Raphinha delivers accurate crosses and threads passes into the box, stretching opposition defenses while also operating effectively in tight spaces. Defensively, he plays an important role in counter-pressing, regaining possession by tracking back to support full-backs or disrupting opposition build-up play.[91][92][93][94][95]

At Barcelona under Hansi Flick, Raphinha's tactical role evolved from a traditional winger to a more centrally positioned role as a second striker. This shift allowed him to exploit spaces between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines, making diagonal runs into the box or drifting inward while other forwards, such as Robert Lewandowski, provided width. By not being confined to the flank, Raphinha stretched the defensive structure, creating additional space and opportunities for himself and his teammates. His quick change of pace and intelligent movement enabled link-up play with players like Dani Olmo, while also supporting attacking moves from deeper positions.[96]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 25 September 2025[97][98]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Vitória Guimarães B 2015–16 LigaPro 16 5 16 5
Vitória Guimarães 2015–16 Primeira Liga 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2016–17 Primeira Liga 32 4 7 0 2 0 41 4
2017–18 Primeira Liga 32 15 1 1 3 1 6[c] 0 1[d] 1 43 18
Total 65 19 8 1 5 1 6 0 1 1 85 22
Sporting CP 2018–19 Primeira Liga 24 4 4 0 4 2 4[c] 1 36 7
2019–20 Primeira Liga 4 2 1[d] 0 5 2
Total 28 6 4 0 4 2 4 1 1 0 41 9
Rennes 2019–20 Ligue 1 22 5 3 2 1 0 4[c] 0 0 0 30 7
2020–21 Ligue 1 6 1 6 1
Total 28 6 3 2 1 0 4 0 0 0 36 8
Leeds United 2020–21 Premier League 30 6 1 0 0 0 31 6
2021–22 Premier League 35 11 1 0 0 0 36 11
Total 65 17 2 0 0 0 67 17
Barcelona 2022–23 La Liga 36 7 5 2 7[e] 1 2[f] 0 50 10
2023–24 La Liga 28 6 1 1 7[g] 3 1[f] 0 37 10
2024–25 La Liga 36 18 5 1 14[g] 13 2[f] 2 57 34
2025–26 La Liga 6 3 0 0 1[g] 0 0 0 7 3
Total 106 34 11 4 29 17 5 2 151 57
Career total 308 87 28 7 10 3 43 18 7 3 396 118
  1. ^ Includes Taça de Portugal, Coupe de France, FA Cup, Copa del Rey
  2. ^ Includes Taça da Liga, Coupe de la Ligue
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ a b Appearance in Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
  5. ^ Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
  7. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League

International

[edit]
As of match played 9 September 2025[99]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 2021 5 2
2022 11 3
2023 4 1
2024 11 4
2025 5 1
Total 36 11
As of match played 20 March 2025
Brazil score listed first, score column indicates score after each Raphinha goal.[99]
List of international goals scored by Raphinha
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 October 2021 Arena da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil 3  Uruguay 2–0 4–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 3–0
3 1 February 2022 Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 7  Paraguay 1–0 4–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 27 September 2022 Parc de Princes, Paris, France 11  Tunisia 1–0 5–1 Friendly
5 4–1
6 8 September 2023 Mangueirão, Belém, Brazil 17  Bolivia 2–0 5–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 2 July 2024 Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, United States 26  Colombia 1–0 1–1 2024 Copa América
8 15 October 2024 Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil 29  Peru 1–0 4–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
9 2–0
10 14 November 2024 Estadio Monumental, Maturín, Venezuela 30  Venezuela 1–0 1–1
11 20 March 2025 Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil 32  Colombia 1–0 2–1

Honours

[edit]

Sporting CP

Barcelona

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Raphael Dias Belloli (born 14 December 1996), known as Raphinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left winger for club and the national team.
Born in , , Raphinha began his senior career with Avaí in before moving to in 2016 to join Vitória de in , where he earned the club's Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2017.
He transferred to Sporting CP in 2018, winning the Portuguese Cup and , then moved to in in 2020, and subsequently to United in the for a club-record fee in 2021, where he scored 17 goals in 65 appearances.
In July 2022, signed him from for an initial €49 million, potentially rising to €58 million, and he has since helped secure two titles (2022–23 and 2024–25), the , and three Spanish Super Cups, including delivering a motivational speech as de facto captain and scoring a brace in the 3–2 final victory over Real Madrid on 12 January 2026 during the 2025–26 season despite hamstring discomfort, after receiving clearance from the medical staff led by Dr. Ricard Pruna and overcoming initial concerns from coach Hansi Flick about risking further injury, where the speech notably impacted the team's performance.
Raphinha made his international debut for in October 2021, participated in the , and has contributed goals and assists in major tournaments, establishing himself as a key attacking player known for his , left-footed , and versatility on the flanks.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Raphael Dias Belloli, professionally known as Raphinha, was born on 14 December 1996 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, to a working-class family in the Restinga favela, a peripheral shanty town characterized by high poverty and limited opportunities. His father, Maninho Belloli, supported the household through irregular work as a musician, including drumming gigs that often fell short of covering basic needs like food. The family's mother, Margarida Maria Dias Belloli, contributed to a tight-knit dynamic emphasizing perseverance amid economic strain. Living conditions were austere, with the entire family—parents, siblings, and even pets—confined to a single cramped room, underscoring the material scarcity that defined daily life in Restinga. Hunger was recurrent, compelling young Raphinha to beg strangers on the streets for sustenance, a direct consequence of the favela's socioeconomic isolation from Porto Alegre's urban core. This environment, rife with violence and drug-related perils, resulted in Raphinha losing multiple childhood friends to trafficking and , experiences that honed his focus and aversion to similar paths. The familial emphasis on unity and hard work, despite resource constraints, cultivated Raphinha's early resilience, as the lack of formal support structures necessitated and physical endurance from a young age—traits later manifesting in his professional tenacity under pressure. Parents' encouragement steered him toward football as a viable outlet, prioritizing survival over individual indulgence in the face of systemic hardships.

Initial football development

Raphinha encountered repeated rejections from prominent Brazilian youth academies, including Internacional and Grêmio, where scouts deemed him unsuitable due to his skinny frame and insufficient physical strength for competitive play. These setbacks, occurring around age 18 in 2014–2015, stemmed from evaluations prioritizing robustness over technical potential, prompting him to nearly abandon professional aspirations before securing a opportunity elsewhere. In 2014, he transitioned to structured training by joining Avaí FC's youth academy in Florianópolis, relocating from to access consistent coaching and facilities absent in informal and street games. This move provided his first sustained exposure to organized drills, emphasizing skill refinement amid Brazil's competitive youth environment, where regional clubs like Avaí scouted overlooked talents from favelas. Within Avaí's setup, Raphinha honed his role as a left-footed winger, building proficiency and positional awareness through under-17 and reserve matches, while a natural physical maturation addressed prior critiques of frailty, enhancing his endurance for tactical pressing and one-on-one duels. These developments, unquantified in public youth records but evident in his rapid progression to contract considerations, underscored causal links between dedicated gym work and on-pitch adaptability in Santa Catarina's lower-tier leagues.

Club career

Avaí

Raphinha developed his early football skills in the youth ranks of , a club based in , Santa Catarina, after being scouted from local team and facing rejections from larger Brazilian academies such as Internacional and Grêmio. By late 2015, at age 18, he was training with Avaí's under-20 squad, which served as his primary platform for honing technical abilities and physical conditioning in a competitive domestic environment. Avaí's financial instability prompted the sale of promising talents to generate revenue; on 31 January 2016, the club transferred Raphinha to Vitória Guimarães B in for €600,000, a deal that alleviated immediate economic pressures while providing the player with accelerated exposure to structured European training and matches. This move marked the end of his time at Avaí without recorded senior competitive appearances, though it laid foundational discipline and adaptability that proved causal to his subsequent professional breakthroughs abroad.

Vitória de Guimarães

Raphinha transferred to Vitória de Guimarães from Avaí on 31 January 2016, marking his initial move to European football. Initially featuring for the club's , he earned promotion to the senior squad during the 2016–17 season, where he made limited appearances in the , adapting to the league's higher physical demands and tactical intensity compared to Brazilian domestic play. In the 2017–18 campaign, Raphinha established himself as a breakthrough performer, appearing in 43 matches across all competitions and contributing 18 goals and 6 assists. His output included consistent wide play on the right flank, where he exploited spaces with direct and crossing, evolving from a peripheral role to a primary attacking threat that supported Vitória's mid-table positioning in the . This period highlighted his adjustment to European pace, with per-90-minute goal involvements rising markedly from prior seasons, underscoring merit-driven progression in a competitive mid-tier league. Raphinha's contributions extended to domestic cup competitions, aiding Vitória de in advancing through early rounds of the , though the team exited without major silverware. For his impact, he received the club's Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2017, recognizing his role in elevating the team's offensive transitions. His performances prompted a transfer to Sporting CP on 1 July 2018 for a fee of €6.5 million, validating the rapid value appreciation from his European debut. This move reflected verified market recognition of his statistical improvements and tactical versatility in Portugal's top flight.

Sporting CP

Raphinha signed with Sporting CP from Vitória Guimarães on 17 July 2018 for a transfer fee of approximately €6.5 million, beginning a 18-month tenure at the club. In the season, he featured in 24 matches, starting 16, and recorded 4 goals alongside 1 assist, contributing to Sporting's third-place finish. His performances extended to domestic cups, where he helped secure the 2018–19 title with a 1–0 victory over Benfica in the final on 27 July 2019, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes knockout scenarios. Across all competitions during his time at Sporting, Raphinha amassed 41 appearances, demonstrating versatility as a winger with 5 goals and several assists in league play alone, while accumulating 6 yellow cards indicative of an aggressive playing style but no major disciplinary suspensions. In the early stages of the 2019–20 season, he added limited appearances before departing, aiding the team's competitive positioning in a league dominated by rivals and Benfica. These outputs, particularly in a more demanding environment than Vitória, underscored his technical growth and market value appreciation, with Sporting rejecting advances from English clubs amid interest. On 19 January 2020, Raphinha transferred to for an initial €21 million fee, potentially rising higher through add-ons, reflecting the uplift from his consolidation at Sporting where he adapted to elevated tactical demands and European exposure via . This move validated his contributions to Sporting's cup success and consistent domestic output, positioning him for further progression in a top-five European league despite not exceeding 5 league goals in his primary season there.

Rennes

Raphinha transferred to from Sporting CP in September 2019 for a club-record fee of approximately €21 million. In the season, he adapted to the league's emphasis on technical proficiency and quick transitions, appearing in 28 matches with 6 goals and 5 assists. These contributions underscored his efficiency as a wide attacker, averaging a goal involvement every 209 minutes in domestic play, while his involvement in ' campaign—where the team progressed to the round of 16—provided exposure to high-stakes European fixtures against varied defensive setups. Rennes finished third in that season, earning direct qualification to the group stage, with Raphinha's output playing a role in their attacking fluidity amid a campaign disrupted by the . His statistical profile highlighted creative efficiency, including key passes and successful dribbles that exploited 's possession-oriented demands, distinguishing him from peers in lower-scoring Portuguese leagues and signaling readiness for greater physical and tactical intensity elsewhere. In the early stages of the 2020–21 season, Raphinha featured sparingly before departing, but his prior form elevated his market value. Leeds United signed him on 5 October 2020 for £17 million plus add-ons, reflecting how his tenure—marked by consistent output in a technically rigorous environment and European validation—directly facilitated the transition. This move occurred as navigated initial inconsistencies, ultimately finishing fifth despite the absent boost from their departed winger.

Leeds United

Raphinha signed for Leeds United from Rennes on 5 October 2020, agreeing a four-year contract for an initial fee of £17 million, potentially rising with add-ons. He made his debut later that month in a 3–3 Premier League draw against Manchester City, entering as a substitute and providing an assist. Under manager Marcelo Bielsa's high-intensity system, Raphinha adapted to the Premier League's physical demands, featuring in 67 league appearances over two seasons and contributing to a style emphasizing pressing and direct wing play. In the 2021–22 season, Raphinha emerged as a key attacker, starting 35 of ' matches and scoring 11 goals with 3 assists, finishing as the club's top scorer. His output included crucial strikes in the relegation battle, such as the opening goal and a penalty in the final-day 2–1 victory over on 22 May 2022, securing survival by two points. Raphinha's prowess stood out, with an average of over 2.8 attempted take-ons per game and a high success rate that ranked him among the league's elite wide players for progressive carries. Fans responded positively, viewing him as a talisman; post-match celebrations saw him traverse the pitch on his knees in gratitude to supporters. Leeds United were relegated to the at the end of the 2022–23 season, following Raphinha's departure. His form elevated his , leading to a transfer to on 15 July 2022 for an initial €58 million, with add-ons potentially reaching €67 million—Leeds' record outgoing fee at the time. This move occurred amid interest from and Chelsea, reflecting his proven impact despite the club's precarious position.

Barcelona

Raphinha joined FC Barcelona from Leeds United on 12 July 2022 for an initial €58 million transfer fee, structured as €50 million fixed plus €8 million in add-ons, amid the club's financial recovery and squad reconstruction efforts. Positioned mainly as a right winger in a 4-3-3 system, he featured under Xavi Hernández, who deployed him in rotations with Ousmane Dembélé, often limiting full-match starts to 60 completed 90-minute outings across two seasons despite 87 appearances. The signing drew criticism for its cost relative to early output—averaging below 0.5 goals per 90 minutes initially—raising questions about overpayment for a player whose Premier League metrics (17 goals in 67 games) did not immediately translate to La Liga dominance. Prior to Hansi Flick's appointment, Raphinha considered leaving Barcelona but decided to stay after Flick assured him of his importance and provided confidence. Transitioning to Hansi Flick in 2024 unlocked greater tactical flexibility, including inverted roles, central forays, and success from the left wing, boosting his involvement; under Flick, he recorded 43 goals and 27 assists in 73 games compared to 20 goals and 23 assists in the prior 87 games, with tactical success from the left wing noted under both Xavi and Flick. This includes 10 goals and assists in El Clásico matches against Real Madrid, contributing to Barcelona's wins in those encounters, as well as 19 goals and 14 assists in 30 knockout games for Barcelona.

2022–23: Adaptation challenges and La Liga success


Raphinha transferred to Barcelona from Leeds United on 13 July 2022 for a fee of €58 million. He made his debut on 13 August in a 0–0 La Liga draw against Rayo Vallecano. Despite high expectations, Raphinha faced adaptation difficulties, including competition from Ousmane Dembélé for the right-wing position he preferred and challenges adjusting to life in Spain, leading to limited starts early in the season.
In , Raphinha appeared in 36 matches, starting 25 and logging 2,072 minutes, but recorded only 7 goals and 7 assists while underperforming his (xG) by 2.3, finishing with 7 goals from 9.3 xG. His first goal came on 3 September in a 3–0 away win over Sevilla. These modest outputs reflected a in integrating into Xavi's possession-oriented system, where his direct dribbling and crossing style provided width but occasionally clashed with tactical demands for intricate build-up play. Despite individual struggles, Raphinha contributed to Barcelona's title victory—their first since 2018–19—secured on 28 May 2023 with a 1–0 win over , as his 14 goal involvements across league play supported the team's dominant 88-point campaign. Key moments included assists and goals in matches that maintained momentum during the title run, underscoring his role in clutch team efforts amid personal form dips.

2023–24: Form struggles and near-miss title

Raphinha's output declined in the 2023–24 season, where he contributed 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for . This marked a lower goal involvement rate compared to his prior expectations as a high-value acquisition, with only 6 league goals from 28 starts. Critics highlighted his inconsistency, noting erratic finishing and under pressure, which fueled media and fan doubts about his suitability for the club's demands. A muscle sidelined Raphinha for 28 days during the season, disrupting his rhythm and contributing to rotational challenges amid competition from emerging talents like . Despite frequent substitutions and bench spells, he featured in key fixtures, but his xG underperformance—converting fewer chances than created—quantified the dip, with notable misses in high-stakes matches such as El Clásicos where dropped points. Barcelona finished as La Liga runners-up with 85 points, 10 behind champions Real Madrid, in a campaign marked by late-season faltering. Raphinha's resilience shone through sustained appearances despite skepticism, providing assists in title-contending wins, though his inconsistent physique and endurance were critiqued as limiting factors in sustaining pressure during the chase.

2024–25: Goalscoring surge and individual accolades

Under the management of , appointed in May 2024, Raphinha achieved a career-best goalscoring output in the 2024–25 season across all competitions, recording 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 appearances for . This surge included a La Liga-leading 18 goals and 9 assists in 35 league matches, directly aiding 's successful defense of the title. His contributions extended to the and , forming part of 's domestic treble. Raphinha's finishing efficiency marked a departure from prior seasons, with an overperformance of 19.32 (xG) in , reflecting enhanced conversion rates on shooting opportunities. Key highlights included a against Bayern Munich in the and a five-goal haul against Real Madrid in , setting personal records and equaling Lionel Messi's mark for Champions League goal involvements in a single season. These performances quelled earlier skepticism regarding his consistency and output, substantiated by his league-high 27 direct goal contributions. Individually, Raphinha was awarded Player of the Season for 2024–25, recognized for his pivotal role in Barcelona's campaign. His totals positioned him as a leading contender, ultimately finishing fifth in the 2025 rankings despite the accolade's emphasis on club achievements over international feats.

2025–present: Injury disruptions amid strong start

Raphinha started the 2025–26 season in impressive form, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists across his initial 6 appearances for . His output included a headed goal in the 3–0 opening-day victory over on August 17, 2025, signaling a continuation of his goalscoring momentum from the prior campaign. These performances highlighted his role as a key attacking threat on the right flank, with 9 shots on target and effective in limited minutes. On September 25, 2025, Raphinha sustained a right injury during Barcelona's match against , initially projected to sideline him for approximately one month. A subsequent , attributed to a premature return to training, extended his absence and ruled him out of the October 26 against Real Madrid, as confirmed by medical tests on October 24. Barcelona's medical team acknowledged their responsibility for the mishandled recovery timeline. The setback compounded Barcelona's broader injury issues, depriving the team of a primary winger during a congested fixture list and straining squad depth in wide areas. Recovery estimates now point to a further month on the sidelines, potentially delaying his reintegration until late 2025. Concurrently, transfer speculation intensified, with Manchester United reportedly exploring a summer 2026 move and setting a €120 million valuation to reflect his proven output despite the disruptions. Raphinha's early contributions, however, affirm his tactical importance, even as recurring soft-tissue problems underscore physical vulnerabilities in his high-intensity style. Following recovery, on 7 January 2026, Raphinha scored two goals in Barcelona's 5–0 victory over Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, advancing the team to the final. Before the final on 11 January 2026, Raphinha delivered a motivational speech to his teammates in the dressing room, acting as de facto captain. He described the match as a "war" and urged revenge for Real Madrid's disrespectful celebrations and gestures toward Lamine Yamal after their previous league Clásico win at the Santiago Bernabéu, referencing taunts from the Real Madrid bench, excessive celebrations, and Dani Carvajal's provocation to Yamal. Speeches were also given by Ronald Araujo, with trust from coach Hansi Flick. In the final, despite managing hamstring discomfort after receiving clearance from the medical staff led by Dr. Ricard Pruna and amid initial concerns from coach Hansi Flick about the risk of injury, he scored a brace against Thibaut Courtois as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3–2 to win the Spanish Super Cup—his third multi-goal performance in four El Clásicos—equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's eight career El Clásico wins but in 12 appearances compared to Ronaldo's 30, having scored 7 goals in those 12 El Clásico appearances against Real Madrid, and earning man of the match honors. He is expected not to start in Barcelona's upcoming Copa del Rey match against Racing Santander due to the ongoing discomfort. In early February 2026, Raphinha sustained an adductor muscle strain in his right thigh. He missed the preceding two matches, did not train with the full squad, and was listed as doubtful for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid on February 12, with his participation to be assessed on a day-to-day basis as he recovered and noted being slightly short on fitness but improving.

International career

Youth international career

Raphinha did not represent at any international level, bypassing under-17, under-20, or other age-group teams prior to his senior debut. His path to the Seleção relied instead on standout club performances in , with no participation in tournaments such as the South American Youth Football Championship or . This uncommon trajectory for a Brazilian winger highlighted his rapid professional maturation outside structured national development.

Senior international career


Raphinha made his senior debut for on 7 October 2021 in a qualifier against , where he provided two assists in a 3-1 victory. He scored his first international goals five days later on 14 October 2021, netting a brace in a 3-1 qualifier win over . These early contributions during the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign established him as a regular under coach Tite, with additional goals in matches against opponents including .
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Raphinha was included in Brazil's announced on 7 November 2022 and featured in five matches, starting four, while scoring once against in the group stage. advanced to the quarter-finals before elimination by on penalties, with Raphinha's pace and direct play contributing to the team's attacking options amid a squad blending established stars and emerging talents. Following Tite's departure post-tournament, interim coaches and subsequent appointments like and maintained Raphinha's role, shifting emphasis toward players demonstrating consistent form over historical reputation in selections. Raphinha participated in the 2024 Copa América after a call-up on 10 May 2024, though exited in the quarter-finals against . In 2026 World Cup qualifiers during the 2024–25 period, he recorded multiple goals, including a penalty against in March 2025 and a brace from the spot in a 4-0 win over on 15 October 2024. Ahead of a March 2025 qualifier versus , Raphinha's public statements expressing intent to "beat them on and off the pitch" drew criticism from a former international for perceived disrespect, contributing to motivational tension; lost 1–4, with his pre-match rhetoric contrasted against the empirical outcome of limited impact in the defeat. Argentine players responded post-match, noting one should avoid claims unbacked by performance. As of October 2025, Raphinha had earned 36 caps and scored 11 goals for , with continued selection under evolving coaching regimes prioritizing tactical fit and recent output amid transitions from to .

Playing style

Technical strengths and tactical role

Raphinha excels in one-on-one duels, demonstrating elite proficiency with an average of 1.69 successful take-ons per match during his 2024–25 season, allowing him to beat defenders effectively in isolated situations. His ability to exploit spatial advantages behind markers, either by cutting inside or staying wide, positions him as a key threat in transitional and open-play phases, often emerging victorious in these encounters due to superior agility and close control. In finishing, Raphinha showcased improved conversion rates in 2024–25, scoring 38 goals across 64 matches in all competitions for , reflecting enhanced decision-making under pressure and clinical execution from wide areas or inverted positions. This output, combined with 23 assists, underscores his dual threat as both scorer and creator, particularly through cut-ins that open angles for shots or low crosses into the box. Tactically, Raphinha thrives in possession-oriented systems like those employed by under , where his versatility enables deployment as a right winger or inverted wide forward, contributing to buildup play via progressive carries and line-breaking passes while maintaining defensive work rate to regain possession high up the pitch. His speed and composure—evident in high sprint metrics and ball retention under duress—facilitate rapid vertical progression, aligning with strategies emphasizing quick transitions from defense to attack and exploiting half-spaces.

Criticisms and limitations

Raphinha's early tenure at Barcelona drew criticism for inconsistent performances, particularly in adapting to the tactical rigors of La Liga after his €58 million transfer from Leeds United in July 2022. During the 2022–23 season, he recorded only 7 goals and 7 assists in 36 La Liga appearances, often struggling to displace Ousmane Dembélé in the starting lineup due to fluctuating confidence and limited impact in key moments. This led to fan and media doubts about his elite-level consistency, with reports of near-annual transfer rumors questioning his fit for the club despite his technical attributes. Critiques extended to his output in high-pressure fixtures, where he was perceived as less decisive compared to expectations for a winger of his profile, exacerbating perceptions of over-reliance on open-play contributions rather than game-defining moments. Some analysts noted deficiencies in football IQ, suggesting his high energy masked occasional poor decision-making under pressure, though statistical work rate metrics remained above positional averages. In the 2023–24 campaign, he underperformed non-penalty (npxG) by approximately 2.78 in league play, converting just 6 non-penalty strikes from higher-quality chances, which highlighted finishing limitations amid broader team struggles. A recurring limitation has been injury proneness, disrupting his rhythm and availability. In September 2025, Raphinha sustained a injury to the middle third of his right femoris, initially ruling him out for three weeks, but a premature return aggravated the issue, causing him to miss the October 26, 2025, Clásico against Real Madrid. This pattern, including prior muscular setbacks, has fueled concerns over his durability, with Barcelona's medical staff acknowledging rushed reintegration as a causal factor in relapses, potentially hindering sustained peak performance.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Raphinha married Natalia Rodrigues in December 2022 following a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. The pair had known each other as friends since before beginning a romantic relationship in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a named Gael, on May 6, 2023. Rodrigues has publicly highlighted Raphinha's commitment to balancing family responsibilities with professional demands, such as accompanying their to hospital appointments before training sessions. Raphinha was raised by his parents, Maninho Belloli, a , and Margarida Maria Dias Belloli, in financially strained conditions in , where family perseverance amid hardship fostered his resilience in pursuing a football career from local academies to European leagues.

Religious beliefs and philanthropy

Raphinha is a practicing Christian whose in Jesus Christ plays a central role in his personal and professional life. He has publicly stated that his belief influences his on-pitch performances, describing as a source of purpose and strength during competitions. This devotion manifests in rituals such as the "knee walk," a gesture of gratitude to God for fulfilled promises, which he first performed at Leeds United and repeated after FC Barcelona's title win on May 22, 2023. Raphinha credits his Christian beliefs with fostering resilience amid career setbacks, including a near-abandonment of football due to early hardships. In interviews, he has emphasized that in sustained him through adversity, enabling perseverance and a focus on long-term over temporary difficulties. He has also referenced a inscribed with "Everything passes," interpreting it as a reminder that both good and bad phases are transient, aligning with his outlook on life's impermanence shaped by spiritual convictions. Raphinha frequently attributes his rise from poverty in Porto Alegre's favelas to divine guidance, viewing his journey as a testament to 's role in overcoming obstacles. In , Raphinha has actively supported relief efforts for natural disasters in his native . Following devastating floods in in May 2024, the Porto Alegre-born player urged public donations and personally contributed to aid for affected communities. Additionally, through partnerships with , he has donated sports equipment to charitable institutions in , extending the benefits of his success to underprivileged youth and programs promoting access to football. These initiatives reflect his commitment to giving back to regions marked by , drawing from his own experiences of hardship.

Controversies

On-field disciplinary incidents

Raphinha received a red card in FC Barcelona's 1–0 opening win against on 13 August 2023, following two yellow cards: the first for and the second for a foul on opponent's player. The Spanish Football Federation's Competition Committee subsequently suspended him for two matches, alongside manager Xavi Hernández for a separate red card in the same game. On 5 April 2025, during Barcelona's 1–1 La Liga draw with Real Betis, Raphinha engaged in a heated confrontation with assistant referee Alejandro Martínez Murguía over officiating decisions, including a disputed corner and added time. Audio released post-match captured Raphinha shouting insults at the linesman, responding to a call to calm down with, "Don't tell me to shut up!" and labeling him "rude," amid visible frustration that escalated to him pushing teammates Hansi Flick and Marc-André ter Stegen toward the officials. Despite the outburst, La Liga's disciplinary committee opted not to suspend him, citing insufficient grounds for further action. Throughout his career, Raphinha has accumulated a moderate disciplinary record, with no straight red cards but several bookings for dissent and challenges; for instance, in the 2024–25 season up to October 2025, he received two yellow cards without reds. These incidents reflect occasional lapses in temperament during high-stakes matches, though they have not resulted in extended bans beyond the 2023 case.

Public statements and media backlash

In October 2024, Raphinha publicly expressed hurt over speculation linking to Athletic Bilbao's , describing the circulation of photoshopped images superimposing Williams' name on his number 11 jersey as "very disrespectful" and a " in very bad taste." He stated that such actions implied his imminent replacement, motivating him to prove his value on the pitch amid transfer rumors, though some fans and media dismissed the remarks as an overreaction to typical supporter banter. In January 2025, amid Barcelona's protracted registration issues with new signings and , Raphinha candidly warned that he would "think twice" about joining the club if observing the saga from outside, citing the uncertainty as a deterrent for future targets and refusing to "tell lies" about the situation. The comments, intended as honest feedback on administrative instability, elicited a rebuke from Barcelona vice-president Elena Fort, who blamed "excessive noise on social networks" for amplifying player frustrations, while critics viewed Raphinha's statement as undermining club efforts during a vulnerable period. Raphinha's June 2025 critique of the centered on its encroachment on players' rest periods, asserting that forgoing "sacred" vacations was "unacceptable" and that no one had consulted athletes on sacrificing off-season recovery for the expanded . Echoing wider player concerns over fixture congestion, his remarks drew support from those prioritizing welfare but backlash from proponents who accused him of excuses, despite Barcelona's non-qualification highlighting his general rather than . Ahead of a March 2025 qualifier, Raphinha's pledge that would "destroy" ignited rivalry-fueled controversy, with him later defending the rhetoric as non-negotiable loyalty to his national team, irrespective of opponents. Former international Paulo Roberto Falcão labeled the tone "very bad" and disrespectful, while 's Angel Di Maria mocked it as childish, framing Raphinha's intent to rally teammates as overly aggressive in media narratives. In September 2025, Raphinha accused of after a purportedly ignored his three-year-old son for while engaging white children, posting a video and statement that "he just wanted a " to highlight perceived . The claim sparked polarized reactions, with defenders citing of institutional oversight and supporters praising his paternal advocacy, versus skeptics questioning the incident's context amid broader debates on selective interactions in public spaces.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Raphinha's club career spans multiple teams across , , , and , with aggregate statistics across all competitions as follows.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Vitória Guimarães852213
Sporting CP4195
3686
Leeds United671712
1586055
Career total38711691
These figures include domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions; Barcelona totals incorporate 2025–26 season contributions to date (7 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists).

International statistics

Raphinha has earned 36 caps for Brazil at senior level, scoring 11 goals, as of October 2025. He received no youth international caps.
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
FIFA World Cup qualifiers186
40
41
10
Friendlies94
Total3611
In the , Raphinha appeared in four matches, including starts against (scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 win on 28 November 2022) and , contributing to 's quarter-final run. During the , he started all four of 's matches, recording one assist in the 4–1 group-stage victory over on 28 2024, though exited in the quarter-finals on penalties against .

Honours

FC Barcelona
La Liga: 2022–23; 2024–25
Copa del Rey: 2024–25
Supercopa de España: 2023; 2025
Sporting CP
Primeira Liga: 2020–21
: 2018–19
: 2018–19
Individual
La Liga Player of the Season: 2024–25
La Liga Player of the Month: August 2024
Team of the Tournament: 2024

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.