In February 2016, Raphinha left Brazil for Europe as a virtually unknown teenager. A decade later, aged 29, he is set to arrive at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as one of the most prolific players of his era and a household name among the game’s elite. This summer may well prove to be the pinnacle of a remarkable journey built on persistence, resilience and belief in his own talent.
Raphinha’s achievements and attributes
Born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Raphinha hails from a state that has produced World Cup winners such as Dunga, Claudio Taffarel, Branco and Ronaldinho.
Unlike his compatriots, however, it took Raphinha some time to make his mark. During his formative years in Brazil, he faced scepticism from coaches and club officials owing to his slight build. At times, he even contemplated giving up the game entirely, but ultimately persevered, forging a path through Portugal with Vitoria de Guimaraes and Sporting, France with Rennes, England with Leeds, and Spain with Barcelona on his way to stardom.
Beyond his prolific output, Raphinha also stands out for his versatility. In one particular campaign with the Blaugrana, for instance, he was deployed on both flanks and as a playmaker. Whatever his role, he has constantly delivered in front of goal, helping the club clinch the La Liga crown in 2023 and 2025, with a third title now within touching distance as the 2025-26 season draws to a close. His trophy haul also includes the 2024-25 Copa del Rey, three Supercopa de Espana titles and a domestic cup double with Sporting in 2019.
His finest season, though, came in 2024-25, when he finished as joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League and became the first Brazilian to be named Player of the Season in La Liga. He added more individual honours to his collection and was also among the finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Raphinha tributes
“I’ve never had a player like him. Raphinha is incredibly dynamic with and without the ball. He is special and epitomises exactly the kind of football I want to see here at Barcelona.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
“He is one of the world’s best players right now. His presence gives us more attacking options and gets the fans off their seats. I believe he has what it takes to be a real game changer for us.”
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti
“He stretches the pitch and has bags of quality. Playing alongside him makes my job much easier.”
Brazil team-mate Vinicius Junior
“Raphinha is phenomenal. People are now seeing what we had long seen in the national team set-up – not only his potential, but also his effort and leadership. He has always stepped up to take responsibility.”
Brazil captain Marquinhos
“He means a lot to me. He helps me so much and sets a great example for all the young players in the squad; he’s been there for me since I joined up with the first team.”
Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal
Raphinha trivia
Raphinha has never played a professional match in Brazil. Having battled his way through the youth ranks, he joined Avai in 2014, was promoted to the senior squad in October 2015, impressed scouts in his final youth tournaments and, in February 2016, secured a EUR 600,000 move to Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Raphinha’s footballing idol is Ronaldinho. They share the same hometown and are both revered in Barcelona, and their connection goes even deeper and extends into music.
Raphinha’s father, Rafael Ribeiro Belloli, better known as Maninho, is a musician who spent many years performing with the group Samba Tri. In the late 1990s, when Ronaldinho was emerging at Gremio, they developed a strong friendship.
In Europe, Ronaldinho frequently invited Samba Tri to liven up his parties. When the band released their first album in 2006, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year even contributed vocals to one of the tracks, fittingly titled Goleador. Raphinha can also play several instruments, particularly the tan-tan (a cylindrical hand drum).
Raphinha stats
Raphinha’s World Cup history
This year’s global bonanza on North American soil will mark Raphinha’s second World Cup showing. When Brazil opened their Qatar 2022 campaign against Serbia, he earned just his 12th cap for the Seleção. That said, Tite was already able to put complete faith in him, given that he had found the net five times and laid on four assists in his first 11 appearances, establishing himself as an integral part of an attacking quartet alongside Neymar, Vinicius and Richarlison. At that tournament, however, he assumed a more tactical, selfless role, yet remained a first-choice starter throughout, including in the painful quarter-final defeat to Croatia on penalties.
Raphinha and Brazil’s World Cup 2026 hopes
Like Vinicius, Raphinha’s career has followed a steep upward trajectory since the previous global showpiece, both on and off the pitch, culminating in his appointment as Barça’s third captain. He is now one of Brazil’s talismanic figures, and his versatility is a valuable asset for Carlo Ancelotti as crucial decisions loom. The Italian tactician is eagerly awaiting Raphinha’s recovery from a hamstring injury and will be hoping that his explosive wide man can guide the team in their pursuit of adding a record-extending sixth star to their crest.
