Early Career and Hardships: Raphinha’s journey to professional football was not straightforward. Despite his talent, he was often overlooked by scouts and coaches due to his slender frame. He started his youth career at the Avaí Football Club in Brazil, where he developed his skills further.
Move to Europe and Professional Breakthrough: In 2016, Raphinha made a significant move to Europe, joining Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães. His time at Vitória was transformative; he quickly became one of the team’s standout players, known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals. His performances earned him a transfer to Sporting CP in 2018, one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.
At Sporting CP, Raphinha continued to impress, contributing both goals and assists. His form attracted interest from major European clubs, and in 2019, he secured a move to the French club Rennes. It was here that Raphinha began to make a name for himself on the European stage, helping Rennes to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Premier League Success and International Recognition: Raphinha’s performances at Leeds did not go unnoticed, and in 2021, he received his first call-up to the Brazilian national team. His international debut was a proud moment, and he quickly established himself as a regular in the squad, contributing to Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Move to Barcelona and Current Status: In the summer of 2022, Raphinha made a high-profile move to FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. The transfer was seen as a major step in his career, allowing him to play alongside some of the world’s best players. At Barcelona, Raphinha has continued to develop, showcasing his skills on an even larger stage.
Real Name: Raphael Dias Belloli
Date of Birth: December 14, 1996
Birth Place: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Residence: Barcelona, Spain (as of his time with FC Barcelona)
Profession: Professional Footballer
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Taia Rodrigues
Father: Rafael Belloli
Mother: Unknown publicly
Horoscope: Sagittarius
Age: 27 (as of 2023)
Weight: Approximately 68 kg (150 lbs)
Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black