Brazilian · Porto Alegre, Brazil · Born 14 December 1996Brazilian winger known for his pace, dribbling, and crossing ability. Rose from Brazilian football to become a key player for Barcelona and Brazil.
Raphael Dias Belloli, known as Raphinha, was born on 14 December 1996 in Porto Alegre, in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state — a region that has produced World Cup winners including Dunga, Cláudio Taffarel, and Ronaldinho. He grew up facing scepticism from coaches and club officials owing to his slight build, developing his fearless playing style on the unpredictable "várzea" pitches of his home city, experience he has said made even Champions League nights feel comparatively easy. Raphinha began his career at Avaí before moving to Europe in 2016 as a little-known teenager, playing for Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting CP in Portugal, then Rennes in France, before Leeds United brought him to the Premier League in 2020. His performances in England, even for a club fighting relegation, attracted Barcelona, who signed him in 2022. At Barcelona, Raphinha developed into one of the most productive wingers in Europe, matching Lionel Messi's individual Champions League goal-contribution record from a single campaign during the club's 2024-25 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund. His combination of pace, directness, and end product established him as one of the finest South American attacking players of his generation. Raphinha made his Brazil debut in 2021 and has represented his country at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América, becoming a key attacking figure for the Seleção heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Helping Leeds United return to Premier League after 16-year absence
His two stellar seasons at Leeds United, helping keep them in the Premier League against the odds, established him as one of the Premier League's best players and set up his £55m Barcelona move.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pacey winger with excellent dribbling and crossing ability
Lasting Impact
Raphinha represents the continued excellence of Brazilian wingers in European football, maintaining the tradition of skilful South American players succeeding in top-level competitions.
Career Honours
- Champions League 2025
- La Liga 2023
- Copa del Rey 2021 (Rennes runner-up)
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitória de Guimarães B | 2016–2018 | — | 16 | 5 |
| Vitória de Guimarães | 2016–2018 | — | 65 | 19 |
| Sporting CP | 2018–2019 | — | 28 | 6 |
| Rennes | 2019–2020 | — | 28 | 6 |
| Leeds United | 2020–2022 | £17m | 65 | 17 |
| Barcelona | 2022–Present | £55m | 122 | 44 |
 Brazil | — | — | 43 | 3 |
Brazilian Athletes