Raphinha is a Brazilian professional footballer widely recognised for his explosive pace, technical ability, creativity, and attacking intelligence. Known for his impressive performances as a winger, he has established himself as one of the important attacking players for FC Barcelona and the Brazil national team.
Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Raphinha’s journey to professional football was not an overnight success. He developed his skills through Brazilian youth football before moving to Europe, where he gradually built his reputation with clubs such as Vitória Guimarães, Sporting CP, Rennes, and Leeds United.
His move to Barcelona in 2022 marked a major milestone in his career. Under manager Hansi Flick, he reached another level during the 2024–25 season, producing outstanding performances in domestic and European competitions. His contributions helped Barcelona win major trophies and strengthened his position among Europe’s leading attacking players.
By November 2026, Raphinha remains an important part of Barcelona’s attacking plans. Despite experiencing injury problems, he has continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring ability, leadership, and commitment to the team.
Quick Facts About Raphinha
| Information | Details |
|—|—|
| Full Name | Raphael Dias Belloli |
| Popular Name | Raphinha |
| Date of Birth | 14 December 1996 |
| Age | 29 Years (2026) |
| Birthplace | Porto Alegre, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Position | Right Winger / Forward |
| Current Club | FC Barcelona |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| National Team | Brazil |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Playing Style | Winger, Attacker |
| Known For | Dribbling, Pace, Goals and Creativity |
Early Life and Childhood
Raphinha was born on 14 December 1996 in Porto Alegre, a city in southern Brazil. His full name is Raphael Dias Belloli. Growing up in Brazil, he developed an interest in football at a young age and gradually became passionate about pursuing the sport professionally.
Like many young Brazilian footballers, he spent much of his early life developing his football skills through local opportunities. He faced the challenge of establishing himself in a highly competitive football environment, where countless talented youngsters dream of becoming professional players.
Raphinha continued working on his technique, speed, ball control, and attacking ability. His dedication eventually opened the door to organised youth football and helped him move closer to his professional ambitions.
His early football development included time with youth teams in Brazil, including Avaí FC, where he progressed before beginning his professional career.
Youth Career and Professional Debut
Raphinha’s football development included spells with Porto Alegre, Audax, Imbituba, and Avaí during his youth years.
Avaí played an important role in his development. His performances attracted attention, and he eventually received an opportunity to begin his professional journey.
In 2016, Raphinha moved to Portugal to join Vitória Guimarães. He initially played for the club’s reserve side before earning opportunities with the senior team.
His performances gradually improved, and he demonstrated the qualities required to compete in European football. His speed, attacking movement, and ability to create chances made him an exciting young prospect.
This period was an important turning point because it allowed him to experience professional football outside Brazil and prepare for bigger challenges.
Vitória Guimarães Career
Raphinha began his European senior career with Vitória Guimarães in Portugal.
He made progress through the club’s teams and became increasingly influential in the first team. His performances attracted interest from other Portuguese clubs, particularly because of his ability to attack defenders and contribute goals.
During his time at Vitória Guimarães, he developed valuable experience in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He also improved his tactical understanding and adapted to the demands of European football.
His progress eventually led to a move to one of Portugal’s most historic clubs.
Sporting CP Career
In 2018, Raphinha joined Sporting CP, where he continued developing as an attacking player.
Sporting provided him with a bigger platform to demonstrate his abilities. He became involved in the club’s attacking system and contributed with goals, dribbling, and creative play.
During the 2018–19 season, he helped Sporting win the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga.
These achievements were important milestones in his career. Winning domestic trophies gave him valuable experience and increased his reputation in European football.
His performances also attracted attention from clubs in other major European leagues.
Rennes Career
In 2019, Raphinha moved to France to join Stade Rennais, commonly known as Rennes.
The transfer represented another important step in his development. Competing in Ligue 1 allowed him to face different tactical systems and stronger defensive challenges.
Raphinha quickly became an important attacking option for Rennes. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create opportunities helped the team in domestic competitions.
Although his stay in France was relatively short, it provided him with valuable experience and prepared him for the next stage of his career in England.
Leeds United Career
In October 2020, Raphinha signed for Leeds United in the English Premier League.
His arrival at Leeds marked his introduction to one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, he developed into an influential attacking player.
Raphinha impressed supporters with his quick movements, close control, accurate shooting, and ability to create chances from wide positions.
During the 2020–21 Premier League season, he became one of Leeds United’s important attacking players. His performances helped the club compete effectively after returning to the Premier League.
The following season, he continued producing strong performances. He scored 11 Premier League goals in the 2021–22 campaign and played a significant role in Leeds United’s fight to avoid relegation.
Across his two Premier League seasons, Raphinha scored 17 goals for Leeds.
His performances attracted interest from several major European clubs, and Barcelona eventually secured his signature in 2022.
Barcelona Career
In July 2022, Raphinha completed his move from Leeds United to FC Barcelona.
Joining Barcelona was a major achievement in his professional career. The Spanish club gave him the opportunity to compete for domestic and European honours while playing alongside some of the world’s most talented footballers.
During his first season, Raphinha contributed 10 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, helping Barcelona win the 2022–23 La Liga title.
He continued contributing during the 2023–24 campaign, scoring important goals and providing assists. Although Barcelona did not win a major trophy that season, Raphinha remained an important part of the team’s attacking options.
His biggest breakthrough came during the 2024–25 season under manager Hansi Flick.
Raphinha produced outstanding performances throughout the campaign, scoring 34 goals and providing 22 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions, according to Barcelona’s official profile.
He played an important role in Barcelona winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
His partnership with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal became one of the most effective attacking combinations in European football.
His performances also earned him fifth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
During the 2025–26 season, Raphinha continued contributing to Barcelona despite suffering injury problems. He scored 21 goals across all competitions and helped the club secure another La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
In the 2026–27 season, he has continued to produce important attacking performances. By early November 2026, he had scored 15 La Liga goals and provided three assists in 10 league appearances, according to the league’s player statistics.
His recent performances have further demonstrated his importance to Barcelona’s attacking system.
International Career with Brazil
Raphinha represents the Brazil national football team at international level.
He made his senior international debut on 7 October 2021 against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifying match. He immediately made an impact by providing two assists after coming on as a substitute.
His performances earned him a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
During the tournament, he featured in all five of Brazil’s matches. Although Brazil were eliminated by Croatia in the quarter-finals, the experience was an important part of his international development.
Raphinha also represented Brazil at the 2024 Copa América. He scored against Colombia in the group stage and was included in the tournament’s Best XI.
In 2026, he was part of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign. He appeared in the opening two matches before an injury affected his participation. Brazil’s tournament ended in the Round of 16 against Norway.
Despite international setbacks, Raphinha remains an important attacking option for the Brazilian national team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Raphinha is primarily a right winger who is comfortable attacking defenders, creating chances, and cutting inside onto his stronger left foot.
His playing style combines technical ability with hard work and direct attacking movement.
Some of his biggest strengths include:
– **Dribbling:** He uses quick footwork and close ball control to beat defenders.
– **Pace:** His acceleration allows him to attack open spaces and create dangerous situations.
– **Finishing:** He can score from inside and outside the penalty area.
– **Creativity:** His passing and crossing help create opportunities for teammates.
– **Set Pieces:** He is capable of delivering dangerous free kicks and corners.
– **Work Rate:** He regularly contributes to defensive pressing and team movement.
– **Versatility:** He can operate on either wing and in different attacking positions.
His combination of attacking quality and defensive contribution makes him valuable to teams that prefer an energetic and aggressive style of football.
Career Achievements and Honours
Raphinha has won several important trophies during his professional career.
**Club Honours**
– La Liga: 2022–23, 2024–25, 2025–26
– Copa del Rey: 2024–25
– Spanish Super Cup: 2022–23, 2024–25, 2025–26
– Taça de Portugal: 2018–19
– Taça da Liga: 2018–19
**Individual Recognition**
– 2024 Copa América Team of the Tournament
– Fifth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting
– Important attacking contributor to Barcelona’s 2024–25 treble of major domestic trophies
Raphinha’s Family and Personal Life
Raphinha generally keeps his personal life relatively private while focusing much of his public attention on football.
He has Brazilian roots and has maintained a strong connection with his hometown and country throughout his professional journey.
His rise from Brazilian youth football to playing for Barcelona demonstrates the importance of dedication, patience, and consistent development.
Outside football, he is recognised for his competitive personality and commitment to improving his performances. He has also built a strong connection with Barcelona supporters through his performances and contributions to the team.
Latest News About Raphinha in 2026
As of November 2026, Raphinha continues to play for FC Barcelona and remains an important figure in the club’s attacking line-up.
The 2025–26 season was affected by injury problems, limiting his availability for several matches. However, he still managed to score 21 goals across all competitions.
He also contributed to Barcelona’s latest domestic success, including another La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup.
During the opening part of the 2026–27 season, he has continued producing impressive attacking statistics. His 15 league goals and three assists in 10 La Liga appearances highlight his strong start to the campaign.
His recent performances suggest that he remains one of Barcelona’s key attacking players, although managing his fitness will be important for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Raphinha’s journey from Porto Alegre to European football’s biggest stages is an example of how determination and consistent hard work can shape a professional career.
From his early development at Avaí to his experiences in Portugal, France, and England, he gradually established himself as a top-level attacking player.
His move to Barcelona transformed his career, while his outstanding 2024–25 campaign demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level.
At 29 years old in 2026, Raphinha continues to contribute to Barcelona and the Brazil national team. With his attacking ability, experience, and ambition, he remains an important player to follow in world football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Raphinha’s full name?
Raphinha’s full name is Raphael Dias Belloli.
2. How old is Raphinha in 2026?
He is 29 years old, having been born on 14 December 1996.
3. Where was Raphinha born?
He was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
4. Which club does Raphinha play for in 2026?
He plays for FC Barcelona in Spain.
5. What position does Raphinha play?
He primarily plays as a right winger but can also operate in other attacking positions.
6. What is Raphinha’s nationality?
He is Brazilian and represents the Brazil national football team.
7. When did Raphinha join Barcelona?
He joined Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022.
8. How many goals did Raphinha score in the 2024–25 season?
He scored 34 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona during the 2024–25 season.
9. Has Raphinha won La Liga?
Yes. He has won three La Liga titles with Barcelona: 2022–23, 2024–25, and 2025–26.
10. What is Raphinha famous for?
He is known for his dribbling, pace, left-footed finishing, creativity, and attacking contributions.
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