Raphinha
Brazilian footballer.
Raphinha, currently playing for Barcelona, began his professional career in his home country, Brazil, with Avaí FC. His talents quickly caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a move to Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães in 2016. Raphinha's impressive performances earned him a transfer to Sporting CP in 2018, where he continued to develop his skills, particularly in creating and scoring goals from the wing.
In 2019, Raphinha joined French side Stade Rennais. His pace, dribbling, and ability to deliver key passes made him a standout performer in Ligue 1. These attributes led to his signing by Leeds United in the Premier League in 2020. At Leeds, Raphinha flourished under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, becoming a key player with his creativity, flair, and knack for scoring crucial goals.
In 2022, Raphinha signed for Barcelona. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new league and style of play, he quickly became an important figure in Barça's attacking lineup, known for his work rate, technical skills, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Early life
Raphael Dias Belloli, known as Raphinha, was born on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He grew up in Restinga, a working-class neighborhood known for its passion for football. From a young age, Raphinha showed exceptional skill with the ball, often playing in the streets and local futsal courts.
Raphinha's journey in organized football began with Imanol, a local amateur team. His talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, and at the age of 10, he joined the youth academy of Avaí FC, a professional club based in Florianópolis. However, the distance from his home in Porto Alegre proved challenging, and he soon returned to his hometown.
Back in Porto Alegre, Raphinha joined the youth ranks of Grêmio, one of Brazil's most prestigious clubs. Despite his undeniable skill, he faced setbacks due to his slight build. Grêmio released him, citing concerns about his physical development.
Undeterred, Raphinha continued to pursue his dream. He played for local clubs and eventually caught the attention of Avaí FC once again. This time, at the age of 18, he committed to moving to Florianópolis to join their U20 team.
At Avaí, Raphinha's talent flourished. His dribbling skills, pace, and creativity stood out, earning him a promotion to the senior team in 2015. His performances in training and youth matches convinced the coaching staff of his readiness for professional football.
Raphinha's journey from the streets of Restinga to the cusp of professional football exemplifies his determination and natural talent, setting the stage for his future success.
First seasons as a professional
The 2015/16 season marked Raphinha's breakthrough into professional football with Avaí FC in Brazil's Série B. At just 19 years old, he began to make his mark on the senior team, showcasing the skills that would later define his career.
Raphinha made 16 appearances for Avaí in the Série B, primarily as a substitute in the early part of the season. As the campaign progressed, his impact grew, and he began to feature more prominently in the team's plans.
While his statistical output was modest, with no goals recorded in league play, Raphinha's performances caught the eye of fans and scouts alike. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, his quick feet, and his creative passing began to shine through at the professional level.
One of the highlights of his season came in the Santa Catarina State Championship, where he scored his first professional goal and provided several assists, helping Avaí reach the final of the competition.
Raphinha's performances during this season laid the foundation for his future success. His potential was clear, and it wasn't long before European clubs began to take notice. This season was crucial in his development, providing him with valuable experience in professional football and setting the stage for his move to Europe the following year.
The 2016/17 season marked a significant turning point in Raphinha's career as he made the move to Europe, joining Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães. This transition presented new challenges and opportunities for the young Brazilian winger.
Raphinha quickly adapted to Portuguese football, making 38 appearances across all competitions for Vitória. He scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists, showing promising glimpses of his talent. His performances in the Primeira Liga caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, with his dribbling skills and pace causing problems for defenders.
One of the highlights of his season came in a match against Paços de Ferreira, where he scored a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory. Raphinha also made his debut in European competition, featuring in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
Throughout the season, Raphinha continued to develop his game, improving his tactical understanding and adapting to the physical demands of European football. His work rate and willingness to track back impressed his coaches, adding a new dimension to his game.
While there were inevitable ups and downs as he adjusted to a new country and style of play, Raphinha's first season in Europe was largely considered a success. He established himself as a regular in the Vitória team and showed enough potential to suggest he could go on to bigger things.
This season laid the foundation for Raphinha's European career, providing him with valuable experience and exposure to a higher level of football. It set the stage for his continued development and future moves to more prestigious clubs.
The 2017/18 season saw Raphinha build on his promising start in European football with Vitória Guimarães. Now more accustomed to Portuguese football, he began to truly showcase his talents and became a key player for the team.
Raphinha made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring an impressive 18 goals and providing 8 assists. This marked a significant improvement in his output from the previous season, highlighting his rapid development. His performances were crucial in helping Vitória secure a 9th place finish in the Primeira Liga.
One of the standout moments of his season came in a match against Chaves, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory. Raphinha also impressed in the Portuguese Cup, scoring crucial goals to help Vitória reach the semi-finals.
His improved form caught the attention of several bigger clubs across Europe. Raphinha's dribbling skills, pace, and now his goal-scoring ability marked him as one of the most exciting young talents in Portuguese football.
Throughout the season, Raphinha continued to refine his game. His decision-making in the final third improved notably, as did his ability to create chances for his teammates. His set-piece delivery also became a valuable asset for Vitória.
This breakout season was a turning point in Raphinha's career. His performances not only helped Vitória on the pitch but also significantly increased his market value. It became clear that the Brazilian winger was ready for the next step in his career, setting the stage for a move to a more competitive league.
The 2018/19 season brought another significant change for Raphinha as he moved to Sporting CP, one of Portugal's biggest clubs. This transfer represented a step up in his career and presented new challenges and expectations.
At Sporting, Raphinha continued his impressive form, making 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists. He quickly became a fan favorite at the Estádio José Alvalade, with his exciting style of play and work ethic endearing him to the Sporting faithful.
One of the highlights of his season came in the Portuguese League Cup final against Porto. Raphinha scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw, with Sporting eventually winning on penalties. This contribution helped secure his first major trophy in European football.
Raphinha also made his Champions League debut this season, featuring in the qualifying rounds. Although Sporting didn't progress to the group stage, this experience was valuable for his development.
Throughout the season, Raphinha continued to refine his game. His tactical understanding improved as he adapted to the demands of playing for a top Portuguese club. His ability to play on either wing provided valuable versatility to the team.
Despite some inconsistency, which is not uncommon for young players, Raphinha's season at Sporting was largely successful. His performances attracted attention from clubs in Europe's top five leagues, setting the stage for his move to Rennes in Ligue 1 the following season.
This season at Sporting was crucial in Raphinha's development, providing him with experience of playing under pressure at a big club and competing for trophies.
Ongoing first team opportunities
The 2019/20 season was Raphinha's first and only full season with Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. He made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists. Raphinha quickly became a key player for Rennes, impressing with his dribbling skills, pace, and creativity on the right wing.
His performances helped Rennes secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1, their highest ever, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. Raphinha's ability to create chances and score goals was crucial to this achievement.
One of his standout performances came in a 5-0 win against Montpellier, where he scored twice and provided an assist. His flair and technical ability made him a fan favorite, while his work rate and tactical understanding impressed coaches.
Raphinha's successful season in France attracted attention from several top European clubs, setting the stage for his move to the Premier League.
The 2020/21 season marked Raphinha's debut in the Premier League with Leeds United. Despite joining late in the transfer window, he quickly became an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa's team. Raphinha made 30 appearances in the league, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists.
His impact was immediate and significant, with his creativity, dribbling skills, and work rate perfectly suiting Leeds' high-intensity style. Raphinha's ability to create chances and deliver pinpoint crosses made him a constant threat from the right wing.
One of his standout performances came in a 3-1 win against Leicester City, where he scored a brilliant goal and was instrumental in Leeds' attacking play. His set-piece delivery also became a valuable asset for the team.
Raphinha's performances were crucial in Leeds' impressive return to the Premier League, helping them secure a 9th place finish. His debut season in England established him as one of the most exciting wingers in the league.
In the 2021/22 season, Raphinha cemented his status as Leeds United's star player. He made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 3 assists. Despite Leeds' struggles as a team, Raphinha's individual performances remained consistently high.
His importance to the team grew as he became their primary attacking threat. Raphinha's ability to create chances out of nothing and score crucial goals was vital in Leeds' battle against relegation. His set-piece prowess was particularly noteworthy, with several goals coming from free-kicks.
A highlight of his season was a match-winning performance against Norwich City, where he scored the only goal in a crucial 1-0 win. Raphinha's form also earned him a place in the Brazilian national team, where he quickly became a regular.
Despite intense transfer speculation throughout the season, Raphinha remained committed to Leeds, playing a key role in securing their Premier League status on the final day.
The 2022/23 season saw Raphinha make a high-profile move to Barcelona in La Liga. He made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. Despite the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs, Raphinha adapted well to Spanish football.
He played a significant role in Barcelona's La Liga title win, their first in four years. Raphinha's creativity and ability to play on either wing provided valuable versatility to Xavi's team. His work rate and pressing ability also fit well with Barcelona's style of play.
One of his standout performances came in El Clásico against Real Madrid, where he scored and assisted in a crucial 2-1 win. Raphinha's set-piece delivery remained a key asset, contributing to several goals throughout the season.
While he faced competition for starting spots, Raphinha's performances in crucial matches and his contribution to Barcelona's title win made his debut season in Spain a success.
Household name
Raphinha made his senior international debut for Brazil in October 2021, during a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela. His impact was immediate, providing assists and scoring goals, showcasing his readiness for the international stage. His versatility on the wings, combined with his vision and execution, quickly made him a valuable asset for the national team.
In subsequent matches, Raphinha continued to impress, contributing significantly to Brazil's qualification campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His ability to adapt to different tactical setups and his understanding with fellow attackers enhanced Brazil's offensive dynamics. Raphinha's performances were characterized by his direct runs, precise crosses, and a keen eye for goal, making him a regular starter in Tite’s squad.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Raphinha played a crucial role for Brazil. His presence on the field provided width and creativity, crucial for breaking down defenses. Although Brazil's campaign ended in disappointment, Raphinha's individual performances were noteworthy. He demonstrated his capacity to perform on the world’s biggest stage, gaining valuable experience that would benefit both his club and country in the future.
Post-World Cup, Raphinha continued to be a mainstay in the Brazil national team, participating in various international friendlies and tournaments. His consistent performances solidified his reputation as one of Brazil’s premier wingers. Raphinha’s journey with the national team reflects his growth as a player, from a promising talent to a reliable and influential figure in Brazil's attacking lineup.
Start of his international career
Despite his talent and subsequent success at the senior level, Raphinha's involvement with Brazilian youth national teams was limited. This is not uncommon for Brazilian players who emerge later in their teens or early twenties, as the pool of talent in Brazilian football is vast and highly competitive.
Raphinha did not represent Brazil at the U17 or U20 World Cups, which are often stepping stones for young Brazilian talents. His rise to prominence came relatively late in his youth career, after he had moved to Europe with Vitória Guimarães at the age of 19.
The lack of youth international experience, however, did not hinder Raphinha's development or his eventual call-up to the senior Brazilian national team. His performances at club level in Portugal and later in France and England spoke for themselves.
It's worth noting that many successful Brazilian players have followed similar paths, focusing on club football in their youth before breaking into the national team setup later in their careers. This can be attributed to the depth of talent in Brazilian football and the different rates at which players develop.
While Raphinha missed out on the experience of youth international tournaments, his club career provided him with valuable experience in European football from a young age. This exposure to different styles of play and higher levels of competition likely contributed significantly to his development as a player.
Ultimately, Raphinha's path to the senior national team demonstrates that there are multiple routes to success in football, and that consistent performances at club level can override the lack of youth international experience.
Full international
The 2023/24 season has been pivotal for Raphinha at Barcelona. With a full pre-season under his belt, he started the season in fine form, contributing both goals and assists. His understanding with fellow forwards like Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati improved significantly, creating a formidable attacking trio.
Raphinha’s performances in La Liga have been instrumental in Barcelona's title challenge. His ability to break down defenses with his dribbling and passing has been crucial, particularly in tight matches where his creativity provided the difference. Additionally, his work rate and defensive contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he regularly tracks back to support his full-backs.
In the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha has continued to shine, delivering decisive performances in the group stages. His ability to step up in crucial moments has helped Barcelona secure vital points and progress to the knockout stages. His versatility has also allowed manager Xavi Hernandez to deploy him in various attacking roles, further enhancing his value to the team.
Overall, Raphinha’s 2023/24 season has been marked by consistency and impact, reinforcing his status as a key player for Barcelona. His contributions have been vital in both domestic and European competitions, underlining his importance to the team’s ambitions.
Playing style
Raphinha is known for his dynamic and exciting style of play as a winger. His primary attributes are his exceptional dribbling skills, pace, and creativity. He excels in one-on-one situations, using his quick feet and close ball control to beat defenders.
A right-footed player who primarily operates on the right wing, Raphinha is equally comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger foot or taking on defenders on the outside. His ability to change direction quickly and accelerate makes him a constant threat in attacking situations.
Raphinha possesses excellent vision and passing ability, often creating chances for teammates with through balls or crosses. His set-piece delivery is also a significant asset, both from corners and free-kicks.
While primarily an attacking player, Raphinha has developed a strong work ethic and willingness to track back and help defensively. This aspect of his game has improved significantly since moving to Europe.
He's also known for his long-range shooting ability, often attempting and scoring spectacular goals from outside the box. His flair and unpredictability make him an exciting player to watch and a difficult one for defenders to contain.
Overall, Raphinha's style combines Brazilian flair with tactical discipline, making him a versatile and effective modern winger.