Everything You Wanted to Know About Raphinha

BIOGRAPHY

Early Years

Raphinha was born on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre — the city that gave the world Ronaldinho. His childhood was far from glamorous: the Restinga district, a modest family, a cramped apartment. His father worked part-time as a musician, and money was constantly tight. Football was not entertainment — it was a way out.

Until the age of 18, he played in várzea — street tournaments without academies or smooth pitches. Dusty fields, heat, noise, sometimes even gunshots somewhere nearby. They do not teach tactics there. They teach you how to survive with the ball.

Portugal: The First Step to Europe

In 2016, he was spotted by Deco, who helped arrange his move to Vitória de Guimarães. It was there that Raphinha made his professional debut. At first — cautiously, then — with growing confidence.

In 2018, he moved to Sporting, where he won a domestic cup double:

• Taça de Portugal
• Taça da Liga

It was his first serious trophy experience. But his career truly accelerated after that.

France: Breakthrough at Rennes

In 2019, Rennes paid around €21 million for him — a club record at the time. In France, he became a key player:

• helped Rennes finish third in Ligue 1
• led the club to its first-ever Champions League qualification

He was no longer just running down the wing — he was influencing results.

England: Leeds and Star Status

In the autumn of 2020, Raphinha signed for Leeds United. In the Premier League, he quickly became the team’s attacking leader:

• in the 2021/22 season — the team’s top scorer (11 goals)
• scored the decisive goal on the final matchday to keep Leeds in the Premier League

By the summer of 2022, top clubs were lining up for him. He chose Spain.

Barcelona: First Struggles, Then Explosion

In the summer of 2022, Raphinha joined Barcelona for €58 million. His first season was tense: competition, adaptation, inconsistency.

In the second — a dip in form and criticism. He was even close to leaving, as Barcelona considered offers from Saudi Arabia.

And then everything changed.

2024/25 Season — The Best of His Career

With the arrival of Hansi Flick, his role changed. He began playing closer to the center — almost as a second striker. And it worked.

• a hat-trick against Bayern in the Champions League
• goals in El Clásico
• 13 goals in the Champions League (top scorer of the tournament)
• 9 assists
• 22+ goal contributions in 17 matches at the peak of the season

He became one of the key players in Barcelona’s domestic treble:

• La Liga
• Copa del Rey
• Spanish Super Cup

In 2025, he extended his contract until 2028.

Brazil National Team

Raphinha made his debut for Brazil in 2021.

He participated in:

• World Cup 2022
• Copa América 2024

He gradually secured a place in the starting lineup and received the legendary number 10 shirt for Brazil.

PERSONAL LIFE

Family

Off the pitch, Raphinha is calm, family-oriented, and far removed from scandals.

He is married to Natalia Rodrigues Belloli — a Brazilian model and influencer. Their story is unusual:

• they have known each other since 2013
• were friends for almost ten years
• started dating only in 2021
• soon got married

The couple has a son, Gael, who was born after their wedding.

Natalia actively supports her husband at matches — she is often seen in the stands at Camp Nou. She has nearly half a million followers on social media, yet the family avoids turning their personal life into a reality show.

Friendships and Circle

Raphinha has long been friends with:

• Bruno Fernandes
• Angel Gomes
• Timothy Weah

He has often said that Bruno played an important role in his development and supported him during difficult periods of his career.

Character and Values

Despite his status as a global star, Raphinha remains very grounded.

He frequently recalls his difficult childhood and emphasizes that his family helped him maintain discipline and motivation.

His life principle is simple: “Work harder than people say you are capable of.”

He is not known for loud parties, does not get involved in scandals, and rarely gives tabloids reasons to write about him. Today, for him, family, stability, and football come first.

INTERESTING FACTS

• He was born on December 14, 1996 — the same day as Leeds United legend Peter Lorimer.
• He is from Porto Alegre — the same city where Ronaldinho was born.
• He could have played for the Italy national team due to his Italian roots on his father’s side.
• Rennes made him the most expensive signing in the club’s history in 2019.
• Barcelona paid €58 million for him in 2022.
• In the early years of his professional career, his clubs never finished below fifth place in the league.
• He converted a penalty in the Portuguese Cup final for Sporting.
• He made his European debut on September 14, 2017, against Red Bull Salzburg.
• He had known his future wife since 2013 but they only started dating in 2021.
• Before turning professional, he played in tough Brazilian várzea street tournaments.
• The 2024/25 season became a turning point: Barcelona captain, Brazil’s number 10, and Champions League top scorer.