11 Belloli Raphinha

Born on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Raphael Dias Belloli, known as Raphinha, grew up in the Restinga favela. His upbringing was marked by financial hardship, sharing a bedroom with his family while struggling to afford basic necessities. Despite these challenges, football provided him with an escape.

His talent was evident early, as he played in local várzea tournaments—gritty, community-organized matches often played under extreme conditions. He also formed a lasting friendship with football legend Ronaldinho, attending his birthday party as a child due to family connections.

Raphinha’s career started with unsuccessful trials at Internacional and Grêmio before joining Imbituba. Eventually, he was scouted by Avaí, where he honed his skills in their youth academy.

In 2016, Raphinha moved to Portugal, signing with Vitória de Guimarães after being scouted by Deco. He made an immediate impact, scoring 18 goals in all competitions during the 2017–18 season and winning the club’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

His performances earned him a transfer to Sporting CP in 2018, where he won both the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga in 2019. Despite struggling with injuries, he played a crucial role in Sporting’s domestic success.

In 2019, French club Rennes made Raphinha their record signing for €21 million. His contributions were pivotal in helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history.

A year later, he moved to Leeds United for £17 million, marking his Premier League debut. Raphinha quickly became a fan favorite, dazzling with his dribbling, pace, and technical ability. He finished the 2021–22 season as Leeds’ top scorer, playing a crucial role in their Premier League survival.

Barcelona secured Raphinha’s signature in 2022 for €58 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring in key matches and helping the club win the 2022–23 La Liga title.

Under Xavi, he competed for a starting spot with Ousmane Dembélé. Despite struggles with consistency, he shined in crucial moments, such as scoring in Barcelona’s Champions League campaign and winning the 2023 Supercopa de España against Real Madrid.

Under new manager Hansi Flick in 2024, Raphinha’s role evolved from a traditional winger to a central attacking position. This tactical shift rejuvenated his performances, leading to standout displays, including a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a dominant performance in El Clásico against Real Madrid.

Despite never being capped at youth level, Raphinha made his senior Brazil debut in 2021. His first international goals came in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, and he was later included in the squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.

Though Brazil was eliminated in both tournaments at the quarter-final stage, Raphinha showcased his flair and attacking ability, securing his place as a key national team player.

Raphinha is known for his blistering pace, quick dribbling, and ability to cut inside from the right wing to create scoring opportunities. His defensive work rate and pressing ability make him a valuable asset in high-intensity tactical systems.

Under Flick at Barcelona, he transitioned into a more central attacking role, where he exploited defensive gaps and linked up effectively with Robert Lewandowski. This tactical switch led to some of his best performances, further cementing his status as a world-class player.