Raphinha
Raphinha with Leeds United in 2021
Personal information
Full name Raphael Dias Belloli[1]
Date of birth (1996-12-14) 14 December 1996 (age 27)[2]
Place of birth Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[3]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Barcelona
Number 11
Youth career
2014–2016 Avaí
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Vitória Guimarães B 16 (5)
2016–2018 Vitória Guimarães 65 (19)
2018–2019 Sporting CP 28 (6)
2019–2020 Rennes 28 (6)
2020–2022 Leeds United 65 (17)
2022– Barcelona 54 (11)
International career‡
2021– Brazil 20 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:28, 24 February 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 02:35, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

Raphael Dias Belloli (born 14 December 1996), known as Raphinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for La Liga club Barcelona and the Brazil national team. [4]

He began his career in with Avaí, but left for Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães in 2016, where he made his professional début. After impressive performances, he signed for Sporting CP, where he spent a year before signing for French club Rennes. After a year he was on the move again, signing for Leeds United before moving to Spanish club Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth £50 million.

Having made his debut in October 2021, Raphinha is a Brazil international. His first two goals for the national team came in a win over Uruguay later that month. He was selected for Brazil's squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Early life

Raphinha was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil where he grew up in Restinga, a favela far from the city centre.[5][6][7] His father was a jobbing musician.[8] 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.[5] He is of Italian descent.[9]

At the age of seven, he attended Ronaldinho's birthday party due to his father and uncle's relationship with the player.[5] They have met numerous times since and have developed a lasting friendship.[5]

Before starting his professional football career, Raphinha participated in the várzea tournaments until the age of 18,[10] 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.[5] 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 bibs.[5]

He has a long-standing friendship with Bruno Fernandes, starting before they became teammates at Sporting CP.[5] According to Raphinha, Fernandes has been a huge help to him and his footballing career.[5] Before joining Leeds United, Fernandes told Raphinha that his style would "fit the league" (in reference to the Premier League).[5]

Club career

Avaí

After unsuccessful trials with International and Grêmio, Raphinha started his career playing youth football with Imbituba, where he was later scouted by Avaí.[8] At 18 years old, Raphinha started his career with the Avaí's under-20 team in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2014.[7][5] After being injured, he was unable to make the squad but continued to train on his own.[5] Despite growing interest in Raphinha from many of Brazil's top clubs, Avaí kept hold of him until 2016, where he impressed at the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.[8]

Vitória Guimarães

Raphinha (behind) playing for Vitória Guimarães in 2017

On 2 February 2016, Raphinha signed for Portuguese side Vitória 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.[8][11] He made his debut for the Vimaranenses on 13 March 2016 against Paços de Ferreira.[12] He scored his first goal for the club against C.S. Marítimo on 20 August 2016.[13] He made his first appearance in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League on 14 September 2017 against Red Bull Salzburg.[13] He won the Vitória Guimarães Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2017.[14] He scored 18 goals during 43 games (in all competitions) during the 2017–18 Primeira Liga season for Vitória Guimarães.[7]

Sporting CP

In May 2018, he transferred to Portuguese club Sporting CP until 2019.[15] He made his debut on 12 August against Moreirense. He scored his first goal for the club on 20 September 2018 against FK Qarabag in the 2–0 victory in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League.[16] Raphinha was a part of the side that won the 2018–19 Taça de Portugal scoring a penalty in the penalty shootout victory against Porto.[17][13]

Rennes

He signed for French club Rennes in 2019, with a transfer fee around €21 million,[18] the club's record signing.[13] 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.[19] 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.[20]

Leeds United

2020–21 season

On 5 October 2020, he joined Leeds United on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £17 million, or about €20 million.[21][22] On 19 October 2020, he made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.[23] His full debut was at home to Arsenal on 22 November 2020.[24] On 28 November 2020, Raphinha scored his first Leeds goal in a 1–0 away win over Everton.[25] His winning goal secured Leeds' first ever Premier League win at Goodison Park and their first league win at Everton since 1990.[26] He finished the season with six goals, all from league fixtures.[citation needed]

2021–22 season

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,[27] which was nominated as one of the Premier League's Goals of the Month for August.[28][29]

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.[30]

Barcelona

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.[31][32] On 13 August, he made his debut for the club in 0–0 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the league.[33] On 3 September, he scored his first Barcelona goal in a 3–0 victory over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.[34]

International career

Raphinha playing for Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In August 2021, Raphinha was selected to represent Brazil for the team's World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Argentina and Peru.[35]

On 7 October 2021, 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.[36] He assisted two goals and won a penalty in 45 minutes on the pitch, receiving praise from sports pundits and fans.[37]

In his third appearance and first start, he scored his first two international goals in a qualifying match against Uruguay.[38]

On 7 November 2022, Raphinha was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[39]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 24 February 2024[40][41]
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
Avaí 2015 Série A 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
Vitória Guimarães B 2015–16 LigaPro 16 5 — — — — 16 5
Vitória Guimarães 2015–16 Primeira Liga 1 0 — — — — 1 0
2016–17 32 4 7 0 2 0 — — 41 4
2017–18 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 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 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 6 1 0 0 — 0 0 — 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 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 18 4 1 1 — 4[g] 0 1[f] 0 24 5
Total 54 11 6 3 — 11 1 3 0 74 15
Career total 156 64 23 6 10 3 25 2 5 1 319 76
  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 Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
  7. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League

International

As of match played 21 November 2023[42]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 2021 5 2
2022 11 3
2023 4 1
Total 20 6
As of match played 21 November 2023
Brazil score listed first, score column indicates score after each Raphinha goal.[42]
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

Honours

Sporting CP

Barcelona

Individual

References

  1. ^ "2020/21 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Raphinha: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Raphinha". FC Barcelona. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  4. ^ The 25 best right wingers in world football - ranked 90Min.com https://www.90min.com/posts/the-25-best-right-wingers-in-world-football-ranked. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "12 Things You Don't Know About Me By Raphinha". The Players' Tribune. Minute Media. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  6. ^ "12 Histórias que Você Não Sabe Sobre Mim por Raphinha". The Players' Tribune. Minute Media. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Who is Raphinha – Rennes winger in profile as Leeds United target deadline day transfer". Yorkshire Evening Post. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d Hay, Phil; Lang, Jack (26 November 2022). "Raphinha, the fiery Brazilian who has swapped the Champions League for Leeds". The Athletic. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  9. ^ "Reportagem: Rafael Reis - Itália deve convocar Tolói para eliminatórias e já mira outros brasileiros". www.uol.com.br.
  10. ^ "De cria da Restinga e recusado na dupla Gre-Nal a parceiro de Neymar na Seleção: a história de Raphinha" [From Restinga's offspring and refused in the duo Gre-Nal to Neymar's partner in the national team: the story of Raphinha]. GZH.com (in Portuguese). 11 January 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Avaí vende jovem Raphinha para o Vitória de Guimarães, de Portugal" [Avaí sells youngster Raphinha to Vitória de Guimarães, of Portugal]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 2 February 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  12. ^ "Vitória Guimarães 0–1 Paços de Ferreira". ForaDeJogo. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  13. ^ a b c d "10 FACTS ABOUT RAPHINHA". Leeds United. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Brasileiro conquista prêmio inédito de revelação em Portugal" [Brazilian wins unprecedented award for revelation in Portugal] (in Portuguese). Terra. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  15. ^ "Raphinha assina por cinco épocas pelo Sporting". Público (in Portuguese). 23 May 2018.
  16. ^ "Sporting CP 2 FK Qarabag 0". UEFA.com. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  17. ^ "Penalties smile on Sporting again as Lions retain Taça da Liga crown". PortuGOAL.net. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Raphinha no Rennes é a sexta maior transferência de sempre do Sporting". Desporto (in Portuguese). 25 November 2022.
  19. ^ "Raphinha's Rennes swansong gave Leeds United an enticing showcase of his undoubted potential". Leeds Live. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  20. ^ "Leeds Utd transfer news: Raphinha signs from Rennes for £17m". BBC Sport. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  21. ^ Rayner, Stuart (5 October 2020). "Raphinha completes deadline-day switch to Leeds United". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  22. ^ "Leeds United sign winger Raphinha from Rennes for £17m". The Independent. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  23. ^ Ames, Nick (19 October 2020). "Leeds United 0–1 Wolves: Premier League – as it happened". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  24. ^ Hay, Phil (24 November 2020). "Raphinha, an astute £17m buy with the diligence and flair to satisfy Bielsa". The Athletic. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  25. ^ Magowan, Alistair (28 November 2020). "Everton 0-1 Leeds United: Raphinha's first Leeds goal sinks Toffees". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Raphinha's excellent late goal gave Leeds a deserved victory in a match of many chances at Goodison Park". The Guardian. 28 November 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  27. ^ Dawkes, Phil (21 August 2021). "Leeds United 2-2 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  28. ^ "Luke and Raphinha Nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month!". Leeds Ynited F.C. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  29. ^ "Pick August's Budweiser Goal of the Month!". Premier League. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  30. ^ Stone, Simon (22 May 2022). "Brentford 1–2 Leeds". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  31. ^ "Agreement in principle to sign Raphinha". www.fcbarcelona.com. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  32. ^ Pope, Adam (15 July 2022). "Raphinha: Barcelona sign attacker from Leeds United in deal worth up to £55m". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  33. ^ "Barcelona frustrated by Rayo Vallecano as Lewandowski & Raphinha's La Liga debuts spoiled". 13 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  34. ^ Shamoon Hafez (3 September 2022). "Barca maintain unbeaten start with win at Sevilla". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  35. ^ "Raphinha Called Up to Brazil's National Squad". Leeds United. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  36. ^ "Brazil rally to beat Venezuela in qualifier as Raphinha enjoys dream debut". The Guardian. Reuters. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  37. ^ "Raphinha, la nueva joya de Brasil, fue dirigida por Deco y encantó al Loco Bielsa en la Premier League". ESPN.com.co (in Spanish). 14 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  38. ^ "Brazil 4-1 Uruguay: Raphinha scores twice as home side cruise to World Cup qualifying victory". Eurosport. 15 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  39. ^ "Seleção Brasileira está convocada para a Copa do Mundo FIFA Qatar 2022" (in Portuguese). CBF. 7 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  40. ^ Raphinha at Soccerway
  41. ^ Raphinha at ForaDeJogo (archived)
  42. ^ a b "Raphinha". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  43. ^ Nogueira, Carlos (26 May 2019). "Leão rei dos penáltis leva para casa o segundo troféu da época" [Penalty-king lion takes home second trophy of the season]. Diário de Notícias (in Portuguese). Lisbon. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  44. ^ "Penalties smile on Sporting again as Lions retain Taça da Liga crown". PortuGOAL.net. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  45. ^ "FC Barcelona, Liga champions 2022/23!". FC Barcelona. 14 May 2023.
  46. ^ Baynes, Ciaran (15 January 2023). "Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona: Gavi stars as Barca dominate to win Spanish Super Cup". Euro Sport. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  47. ^ "Brasileiro conquista prêmio inédito de revelação em Portugal" [Brazilian wins unprecedented award for revelation in Portugal] (in Portuguese). Terra. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.

External links

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FC Barcelona – current squad
Brazil squad – 2022 FIFA World Cup
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