Raphinha Biography: Childhood, Career and Achievements

One of the in-form players in the modern game, Raphael Dias Belloli is another story of a footballer who moved from street football to European stardom. His path from Porto Alegre’s neighborhood to Barcelona’s Camp Nou with Ballon D’or shouts tell us a tale of brilliance, resilience, and pursuit rooted in Brazil’s footballing culture. 

Childhood

Born in Porto Alegre in 1996, Raphinha grew up in a family environment that supported and nurtured his love for football. His father played an instrumental role by working multiple jobs, whereas his mother provided the mental and emotional foundation that kept him going at the highest level. Although Porto Alegre isn’t as globally spotlighted as São Paulo or Rio, it boasts a deep-rooted footballing culture where Raphinha first made his mark.

The player showed glimpses of his excellence at an early age with exceptional ability and pace that set him apart from his peers. Raphinha played on the streets, developing skills, creativity, and flair that have become his trademark today. The struggles that his family and he endured to reach where they are today are well documented. The player used to play in independent tournaments and even had to ask for good to keep going until Avai scouted him and took him under their wings after the rejection by Gremio and Nacional.

Career

Raphinha started his professional football career with Avai where he made his debut for their under-20 team. He featured in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2014 before injury stalled his career. The club supported him in his tough times, and he featured for them until 2016 when Guimarães came calling. He joined the academy of Guimaraes in a deal worth €600k.

The most anticipated senior debut in the top flight for the Brazilian came when he donned the jersey of Vitória de Guimarães. He made his first appearance in the 2017/18 UEFA Europa League on 14 September 2017 against Red Bull Salzburg. With him winning the Vitória Guimarães Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2017, Sporting CP came calling. He joined them in a transfer involving €6.5 million in the summer of 2018. 

The stint with Sporting CP lasted only one year. In his one year with Sporting CP, he bagged 5 G/A to his name in 24 appearances in the Portuguese top flight. He had played just four games in the 2019/20 season and had bagged two goals to his name before Stade Rennais secured his signature. Under Julien Stephan, he emerged as a winger who could utilize his Brazilian flair and European tactical awareness. 

After two campaigns with the French top-flight outfit, the newly promoted Leeds United came calling. It was his opportunity to pack the bags for England. Marcelo Bielsa signed the player in a deal worth €18.6 million. The move proved to be detrimental to his career. Bielsa’s intense and demanding system ensured that the player became one of the most exciting wingers. 

His pace, direct running, and ability to create chances made him Leeds' key attacking threat. He quickly made over 65 top-flight appearances for Leeds United, bagging 17 goals and 12 assists. His style and directness made him an attractive value proposition for elite European clubs. His work rate impressed managers and fans alike. 

In 2022, after being linked with elite European clubs, Raphinha moved to Camp Nou in a deal worth €58 million. He was a cornerstone in Xavi’s rebuild and played a significant role in Barcelona's recent La Liga triumph. He had 18 goals and 9 assists to his name in the recently concluded campaign, emerging as one of the top scorers for the club. He also had Ballon d’Or shouts until Barcelona were ousted from the Champions League semifinals. 

His international career began with Brazil's youth teams, where he represented his country at various levels. His performances for Leeds earned him senior international recognition, making his debut for Brazil in 2022. He currently has 34 international caps to his name. 

Achievements

While Raphinha continues to develop his career with a few back-to-back consistent performances, his achievements reflect nothing but a steady progression. In 2017, he won the Vitória de Guimarães Breakthrough Player of the Year award while he was the UEFA Champions League top scorer in the 2024/25 season. 

He also won the La Liga Player of the Season award in the recently concluded campaign. Alongside the domestic trophies in Spain, he has two La Liga titles to his name. The player’s hunger to be the best among the lot might fetch him a few more league titles before he hangs his boots.