Raphinha Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 19, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the spirit of resilience, passion, and relentless determination quite like Raphinha—the Brazilian winger who has not only cemented his place at FC Barcelona, but has also become one of the most influential and dynamic attackers in world football.
From a journeyman in the lower tiers of Portuguese football to a key figure in one of Europe’s most iconic clubs, Raphinha’s evolution is a story of grit, growth, and unyielding belief.
Then: The Long Road – A Fighter’s Journey (1996–2022)
1. Roots in Feira de Santana, Brazil
Born Raphael Dias Belloli on December 14, 1996, in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Raphinha grew up in a working-class family where football was both a dream and an escape. He joined Avaí FC’s youth academy in southern Brazil at a young age, showing early signs of speed, dribbling ability, and fearlessness.
Despite his talent, Raphinha faced constant setbacks:
- Released by several youth teams
- Labeled “too small,” “too aggressive,” “not technical enough”
But his fighting spirit—a trait that would define his career—kept him going.
2. The European Grind: Portugal’s Hidden Gem
In 2016, at age 19, Raphinha moved to Portugal, signing with Vitória de Guimarães. He began in the B team, playing in Portugal’s second division. But his explosive pace, tenacity, and goal-scoring instinct quickly earned him a spot in the first team.
Over the next few years, he played for:
- Vitória de Guimarães (2016–2018)
- S.C. Braga (2018–2020) – where he scored 23 goals in 87 appearances
- S.L. Benfica (2020–2022) – winning the Primeira Liga in 2022–23
At Benfica, Raphinha blossomed into a complete winger—scoring, assisting, pressing, and leading by example. His work rate and defensive contribution set him apart from traditional wingers.
3. Breakthrough on the International Stage
Raphinha made his Brazil debut in 2021 under Tite and was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Though he didn’t start every game, his energy and pressing were crucial in Brazil’s attack. He scored in the group stage and became known for his relentless pressing and loyalty to the team’s structure.
Related: Mason Mount Then and Now
Now: The Barcelona Era – Fire, Grit, and Glory (2022–2025)
1. A Statement Signing for Barça
In July 2022, FC Barcelona, under financial strain but rebuilding under Xavi Hernández, made a bold move: they signed Raphinha from Leeds United for €60 million, including add-ons—making him one of the club’s most important signings of the post-Messi era.
The transfer was met with skepticism. Many questioned whether a player from the Premier League’s relegation battle could thrive at Camp Nou.
By 2025, Raphinha has silenced every doubter.
2. Xavi’s Warrior – The Heart of the Team
Under Xavi, Raphinha was not just a winger—he became a symbol of the club’s new identity: hard-working, passionate, and tactically disciplined.
His role evolved into a hybrid right-winger/attacking midfielder, combining:
- Explosive dribbling
- Pinpoint crosses
- Clinical finishing
- Relentless pressing (often leading the team in defensive duels)
By the 2023–24 season, he had become Barcelona’s top scorer in La Liga with 18 goals, including crucial winners against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla.
In 2024–25, he continued his ascent:
- Key player in Barcelona’s La Liga title win (2024)
- Vital in their UEFA Champions League semifinal run
- Scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals
- Named La Liga Player of the Month three times in 2024
3. Leadership and Emotional Fire
Raphinha is not the loudest player, but his passion is undeniable. He’s known for:
- Kissing the Barça crest after every goal
- Leading the press from the front
- Celebrating with raw emotion
- Defending teammates fiercely
In 2024, after a controversial red card in El Clásico, he delivered a post-match speech that went viral:
“I play with my heart. If that’s a crime, then lock me up. But I’ll never stop fighting for this badge.”
The moment solidified his status as a fan favorite—nicknamed “El Guerreiro” (The Warrior) by Catalan supporters.
4. Tactical Evolution Under Xavi and Flick
With Hansi Flick taking over as Barcelona manager in 2024, Raphinha’s role became even more central. Flick utilized him as a false winger, allowing him to cut inside, link play, and support Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
His pass completion rate improved to over 87%, and he ranked among the top five in assists in La Liga (14 in 2024–25).
He also developed a lethal long-range shot, scoring multiple “rocket” goals from outside the box.
Related: Dušan Vlahović Then and Now
International Career: Brazil’s Emotional Engine (2021–2025)
1. Key Figure in the New Seleção
As Brazil transitions into a post-Neymar era, Raphinha has stepped up as a leader and emotional anchor. Under new manager Dorival Júnior, he became a regular starter on the right wing.
At Copa América 2024, held in the USA, Raphinha:
- Scored 3 goals
- Provided 4 assists
- Played every minute
- Helped Brazil reach the final (lost to Argentina on penalties)
Though Brazil didn’t win, Raphinha was named in the Team of the Tournament—recognized for his work rate, versatility, and heart.
2. A Symbol of Modern Brazilian Football
No longer just a “grinder,” Raphinha represents a new kind of Brazilian star—one who combines flair with fight, skill with sacrifice. He’s become a role model for young players who may not have the natural magic of a Neymar but possess unbreakable will.
Related: João Félix Then and Now
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Raphinha is known for his humility and family values. He is married to Beatriz Migon, a Brazilian nutritionist, and they have two children. The family splits time between Barcelona and Brazil, and Raphinha frequently visits his hometown to support local youth programs.
He launched the Raphinha Foundation in 2024, focused on:
- Funding football academies in underprivileged areas
- Promoting education and mental health awareness
- Supporting single-parent families in Bahia
He also partners with UNICEF and Barça Foundation on social initiatives.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
By 2025, Raphinha has become more than a footballer—he’s a cultural symbol:
- For Barcelona fans: The embodiment of resilience and passion
- For Brazil: A new kind of national hero—hard-working, humble, fearless
- For young players: Proof that heart can match talent
He’s also a social media powerhouse, with over 15 million Instagram followers, where he shares:
- Behind-the-scenes training clips
- Family moments
- Messages of faith and perseverance
His signature celebration—kneeling with arms outstretched, eyes closed—has become iconic, symbolizing gratitude and focus.
Related: Eduardo Camavinga Then and Now
Conclusion: Raphinha – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A young Brazilian rejected by clubs, grinding through Portugal’s lower leagues, fighting for recognition.
- Now: A La Liga champion, Champions League contender, Brazil international leader, and spiritual heartbeat of FC Barcelona.
Raphinha’s journey is not defined by flair alone, but by fire—the fire to prove himself, to fight for every ball, to wear the shirt with pride.
As he enters his prime at age 28 in 2025, one thing is clear:
Raphinha isn’t just playing for goals or glory.
He’s playing for every kid told they weren’t good enough.
And in doing so, he’s becoming a legend—not because he’s perfect, but because he never gives up.
🔥 “I don’t need to be the best. I just need to give everything. For my team. For my people. For my dream.” – Raphinha
Related: Gavi Then and Now