Raphinha – Career Overview, Stats, and Key Facts

Raphinha, full name Rafael de Souza Pereira, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for FC Barcelona and the Brazil national team. He is renowned for his explosive pace, precise dribbling, and ability to score in high‑pressure games. Raphinha joined Barcelona in July 2022 and quickly became a key attacking option.

What clubs has Raphinha played for?

Raphinha’s senior career began in Brazil before he moved to Europe, where he established himself in top‑flight leagues across Germany, France, England, and Spain.

Early career in Brazil

Raphinha started at Corinthians’ youth academy and made his professional debut with the club in 2012013. He featured in 24 Série A matches, scoring three goals, before transferring to Sport Recife in 2015, where he added eight league appearances and one goal.

Rise in Europe

In July 2015, Raphinha signed with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Over three seasons he recorded 67 league appearances and 12 goals, earning a reputation for cutting‑inside from the right flank. He moved to Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais in 2018, contributing 10 goals in 57 league games and helping the team reach the Coupe de France final in 2019.

Raphinha’s next step was the Premier League, joining Leeds United on a free transfer in August 2020. He made 84 league appearances, scored 19 goals, and delivered the decisive goal that secured Leeds’ promotion back to the top division in 2020.

His performances attracted FC Barcelona, who secured his services for a reported €30 million in July 2022.

*Statistics updated to 30 October 2024.

How did Raphinha perform at Barcelona?

In his debut season (2022‑23), Raphinha appeared in 31 La Liga matches, netting eight goals and providing six assists. He became the first Brazilian to score a Champions League knockout‑stage goal for Barcelona when he struck a solo effort against Paris Saint‑Germain on 13 March 2023, a goal later voted “Goal of the Night” by UEFA.

The 2023‑24 campaign saw him improve his output, contributing 11 league goals and nine assists by the end of October 2024. His work rate off the ball, combined with a 78 % pass‑completion rate in the final third, helped Barcelona maintain a top‑three position in the league.

What are Raphinha’s key strengths and playing style?

• Explosive acceleration: Reaches 30 km/h in under 3.5 seconds, allowing him to beat defenders on the counter‑attack.
• Technical dribbling: Completes an average of 4.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga.
• Finishing with both feet: Scores 45 % of his goals with his left foot despite being right‑footed.
• Defensive contribution: Tracks back to win 1.3 tackles per game, higher than the average winger in Spain.
• Set‑piece proficiency: Takes free‑kicks and corners; recorded 2 direct free‑kick goals for Barcelona.

When did Raphinha debut for the Brazil national team?

Raphinha earned his first senior cap on 27 March 2023 in a friendly against Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu. He entered as a 66th‑minute substitute and provided an assist for Neymar’s equaliser, helping Brazil secure a 2‑2 draw.

He was subsequently selected for the 2023 Copa América squad, appearing in three matches and scoring his inaugural international goal in the quarter‑final against Uruguay on 10 July 2023.

Is Raphinha likely to transfer again?

As of October 2024, there are no confirmed offers, but rumors link him with Premier League side Manchester United and Serie A club Juventus. Barcelona’s contract extension clause, activated in 2025, could raise his release fee to €80 million, making a future move financially significant.

What are Raphinha’s most memorable moments?

Raphinha’s career is punctuated by several high‑profile highlights. The solo strike against Paris Saint‑Germain in the 2022‑23 Champions League round‑of‑16 not only secured a 2‑1 victory but also earned him the UEFA Goal of the Week award. In La Liga, he scored a spectacular long‑range volley against Atlético Madrid on 22 October 2023, a goal voted by fans as Barcelona’s Goal of the Month. Earlier, while at Leeds United, Raphinha netted the decisive 1‑0 winner on 20 July 2020 that clinched promotion back to the Premier League after a 16‑year absence.

How does Raphinha compare with other Brazilian wingers?

A quick statistical snapshot shows how Raphinha stacks up against fellow Brazilian wide‑players who have excelled in Europe.

While Neymar’s global profile dwarfs most peers, Raphinha’s efficiency per minute and recent Champions League impact place him among the most promising Brazilian wingers of his generation.

Conclusion

Raphinha’s trajectory from a modest start at Corinthians to starring for one of Europe’s elite clubs illustrates his adaptability and growth. His blend of speed, skill, and work ethic makes him a valuable asset for club and country, and his performances continue to attract global attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Raphinha play?

Raphinha is primarily deployed as a right winger, but he can also operate on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder, offering tactical flexibility for both club and country.

How many goals has Raphinha scored for Barcelona?

As of 30 October 2024, Raphinha has netted 13 goals in 58 La Liga appearances for Barcelona, adding several more in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

When did Raphinha sign for Leeds United?

Raphinha signed a two‑year contract with Leeds United on 12 August 2020 after leaving Stade Rennais on a free transfer, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his dynamic wing play.

Has Raphinha won any major trophies?

Raphinha won the Ligue 1 Coupe de France runner‑up medal with Rennes in 2019 and helped Leeds United secure promotion to the Premier League in 2020. He is also part of Barcelona’s 2022‑23 La Liga title-winning squad.