La Sexta (Six Trebles)

Lore & Background

Raphinha began his career with Brazilian club Avaí, before signing for the Portuguese Vitória de Guimarães in 2016, where he made his professional debut. In 2018, he joined fellow Primeira Liga club Sporting CP, winning the double of the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga in 2019. After having played for Rennes and Leeds United, Raphinha signed for Spanish club Barcelona in 2022 for a transfer worth €58 million (£50 million). Despite initially struggling, in 2024–25, Raphinha had his breakthrough season, being integral to Barcelona winning a domestic treble of the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, while also finishing as the Champions League's top scorer. After never being capped at youth level, Raphinha made his senior international debut in 2021, and was part of Brazil's squads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2024 Copa América and 2026 World Cup.

Reader's Guide

Raphinha is a winger or forward known for pace, playmaking, work rate and finishing. He joined Barcelona in 2022 and had his breakthrough season in 2024–25, winning a domestic treble and finishing as Champions League top scorer. He previously played for Avaí, Vitória de Guimarães, Sporting CP, Rennes, and Leeds United.

Did You Know?

• Raphinha was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil and grew up in Restinga, a favela far from the city centre.
• At age seven, Raphinha attended Ronaldinho's birthday party due to his father and uncle's relationship with the player.
• Raphinha was scouted at the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior by Deco, who signed him to his agency D20 Sports.
• Raphinha's winning goal for Leeds United against Everton on 28 November 2020 secured Leeds' first ever Premier League win at Goodison Park.
• Raphinha ended the 2021–22 season as Leeds' top goalscorer with 11 goals, saving them from relegation.