Raphinha's career has been defined by constant change, from hopping between clubs in Brazil, Portugal, France, England and Spain to reinventing his role at Barcelona since joining in 2022. The Brazil international arrived from Leeds United as a right winger, excelled on the left under Hansi Flick, and is now delivering world-class performances as a No. 9, scoring 14 goals in 10 games going into Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid.
Sporting director Victor Orta, who signed him for Leeds in 2020, saw his potential early. "I remember one day watching Vitória de Guimarães and thinking he could play as a wing back," Orta told ESPN. "He had a different style to the typical, technical Brazilian." Raphinha's path to the top was not obvious. After fighting through várzea tournaments in Brazil, he landed in Portugal with Vitória, then played for Sporting CP and Stade Rennais before his career accelerated at Leeds in the Premier League.
His time at Barcelona has not always been smooth. He was unhappy with his game time under Xavi Hernández and considered leaving before Flick took over in 2024. Flick's style suited him perfectly, much as Marcelo Bielsa's had at Leeds, although the Argentine coach was initially unconvinced. The Leeds move itself nearly collapsed late in the transfer window, but Orta pushed it through, putting Raphinha on a plane without Bielsa's permission. Over two years at Leeds, he scored 17 goals and twice helped the club avoid relegation.
Now nearing 30, Raphinha has become one of the most versatile and productive forwards in Europe, proving that his constant reinvention has been the key to his success.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing