Ferocity and Determination
Raphinha is a whirlwind of a forward who has become an inspirational figure for Barcelona and will lead the charge for Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil at World Cup 2026. The Seleção have gone 24 years since being crowned world champions but will need a fully fit and firing Raphinha if they are to have any hope of success at the tournament this summer.
Brazilian attackers are traditionally known for their flair, technical proficiency and ability to dazzle fans with their outrageous skill—think legends such as Pele, Garrincha and Ronaldinho. Yet Raphinha is slightly different, known for his relentless work rate and ferocious pressing.
There’s no doubting his skill, pace and ingenuity but he also has plenty more to offer. The Barcelona star is a dynamic presence both in and out of possession, a player who leads by example in every way and delivers goals and assists at an impressive rate.
The Transformative Period
After a slow start to his Barcelona career following a transfer in 2022, Raphinha exploded in sensational style by grabbing 34 goals and 25 assists in 2024-25 to land a domestic treble for Hansi Flick’s side. “I’ve never had a player like him,” Flick said during a campaign where Raphinha was his main man. He would go on to become the first Brazilian to be named La Liga’s Player of the Season.
His dominant performances left many observers shocked that he didn’t win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, including the man himself. “I knew winning was very difficult, because the Champions League counts a lot for this award. So, I was upset with the position I ended up in. I would put myself in first place,” he told Sofascore after finishing fifth.
Raphinha’s words show he is not a player who lacks confidence in his ability. He plays with an intensity that is rarely matched by other forwards. His sheer desire and ability to drive the best out of his teammates is another quality that sets him apart. Confident on both flanks or as a playmaker, Raphinha’s versatility is another factor that has helped him develop into one of the very best players on the planet.
Second Time Around
Raphinha will head into his second World Cup this summer, but is still looking for his first goal on the biggest international stage. He was part of the Brazil squad four years ago, one of nine forwards picked by manager Tite for the tournament in Qatar, but didn’t find the back of the net as Brazil were dumped out by Croatia on penalties in the quarterfinals.
That’s a record that Raphinha will want to amend in 2026, though Brazil are not among the favorites heading into the tournament.
Brazil at the World Cup
Coached by Carlo Ancelotti, the first non-Brazilian to take charge of the national team, the Seleção’s squad is unbalanced and lacks the depth and outrageous talent of previous generations.
The loss of Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes to injury is a blow, while question marks remain over whether Neymar will even make the squad. Raphinha has the talent and the desire to inspire Brazil but will need help from teammates such as Vinicius Junior if Ancelotti’s side is to make a real impact at the tournament this summer.
- Brazil vs Morocco — June 13 — 6 p.m. ET from East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
- Brazil vs Haiti — June 19 — 8:30 p.m. ET from Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
- Brazil vs Scotland — June 24 — 6 p.m. ET from Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
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