Raphael Dias Belloli, popularly known as Raphinha, was born on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. As of April 2025, he is 28 years old. Raphinha is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for FC Barcelona and the Brazil national team.

He began his career with Avaí in Brazil before making the move to Europe, where his journey took him through several clubs. In 2016, he joined Vitória de Guimarães, where he made his professional debut. Two years later, in 2018, he signed for Sporting CP, winning both the Taça da Liga and Taça de Portugal. In 2019, he moved to Rennes, and by 2020, he was making headlines in the Premier League with Leeds United. His consistent performances earned him a transfer to Barcelona in 2022, in a deal worth €58 million (£50 million).

Life before debut

Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Raphinha grew up in the tough neighborhood of Restinga. His father, a struggling musician of Italian descent, and his mixed-race Brazilian mother raised him in a small home where he shared a single bedroom with his parents, younger brother, and even their pets. Life wasn’t easy he often struggled to afford transportation and at times had to ask strangers for food.

Thanks to his father and uncle’s close relationship with Ronaldinho, Raphinha had the chance to attend the legendary player’s birthday party at just seven years old a moment that sparked a lasting friendship between them.

Before making it to the professional stage, Raphinha sharpened his skills in Brazil’s várzea tournaments—gritty, unfiltered community matches held well below the academy level. He played until the age of 18 in these raw environments, where games were often held on dusty clay pitches, with makeshift goals, shirtless teams, and even the occasional gunshot in the background. “It was intense,” he recalls, “but that’s where I learned everything.”

Another important figure in his journey is Bruno Fernandes. The two became friends even before they shared a locker room at Sporting CP. Fernandes played a big role in guiding him, especially before his move to Leeds United, telling Raphinha that his flair and work rate would thrive in the Premier League.

International career

Raphinah made his senior international debut in 2021 and was part of Brazil’s squads at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

He made his debut for the Brazil national team on October 7, 2021, in a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela. After coming on as a substitute in the second half, he provided two assists, helping Brazil secure a 3-1 victory.

On 10 May 2024, he was called up for Brazil to participate in the 2024 Copa América. He scored his only goal of the tournament against Colombia in their third group phase game, in a 1–1 draw. Brazil were eliminated from the tournament following a 4–2 penalty shoot-out defeat after a goalless draw against Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Club career 

At 18 years old, Raphinha started his career with the Avaí’s under-20 team in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2014. After being injured, he was unable to make the squad but continued to train on his own. Despite growing interest in Raphinha from many of Brazil’s top clubs, Avaí retained him until 2016, where he showcased his skills at Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.

Sporting CP

Raphinha joined Sporting CP in 2018, marking his first major step into European football. Coming off an impressive spell at Vitória de Guimarães, he quickly made an impact with his speed, skill, and direct playing style. During his time at Sporting, he played a key role in helping the club win both the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga, contributing important goals and standout performances, including in European competition.

Beyond the pitch, he formed a strong bond with then-captain Bruno Fernandes, who became a mentor and close friend. Bruno’s influence helped Raphinha adjust to life at the club and later guided his decision to join the Premier League when Leeds United showed interest. Though he only spent one season at Sporting, it was a pivotal chapter that helped elevate his career and prepare him for the challenges ahead.

Rennes

He signed for French club Rennes in 2019, with a transfer fee around €21 million, the club’s record signing.

He scored eight goals and gained seven assists during his time at the club, where he helped Rennes to a third-place finish and qualify for the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League during the 2019–20 Ligue 1 season.

Leeds united

He join the club in a four(4) years contract with an undisclosed fee reported around £17 million or €20 million in 5th of October 2020.

he made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In October 20, 2020. Raphinha scored his first Leeds goal in a 1–0 away win over Everton.

He finished the season with just six(6) goals in 28 appearances.

After a wonderful performance in 2021/22 he got himself a lot of offer from big clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur’s and even Chelsea who had an agreement in place with Leeds to sign him, with both clubs agreeing a fee worth of £55 million. With all the offers Raphinha preferred a move to Barcelona, despite their financial struggles. This led to Raphinha flying to Barcelona to complete a deal and follow the footsteps of his idol(Ronaldinho)

Barcelona

Barcelona signed Raphinah on a five year contract on 15 July 2022 with a fee of £50 million.

2022–23: Adaptation to Spain and La Liga title
2024-25: Making History

Raphinha Career stats

Raphinha has made 397 appearances in his senior career (as of 21st of April , 2025).

Appearances

He made 33 Appearances for Brazil national team, He played 85 games for Guimaraes, 41 appearances for Sporting, 36 games for Stade Rennes, 67 for Leeds, and 135 for Barcelona.

Goals and Assists 

Trophies

1x Spanish champion (22/23 with FC Barcelona)

1x Portuguese league cup winner (18/19 – Sporting CP)

1x Portuguese cup winner (2019 – Sporting CP)

2x Spanish Super Cup winner ( 24/25 – FC Barcelona, 22/23 – FC Barcelona)

With everything that happens from struggling to perform at a high level Raphinah Now considered a top contender for the Ballon d’Or 2024/25, Raphinha’s rise from the rough streets of Restinga to football’s elite is nothing short of extraordinary. His journey filled with sacrifice, raw determination, and an unwavering belief in his dream continues to inspire millions across the globe. From playing barefoot on dusty fields to lighting up the world’s biggest stages, Raphinha is living proof that no dream is too big when passion meets persevera