Raphinha is called up to the Brazilian team and will compete in the 2026 World Cup By Bruna
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Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed this Monday the presence of Raphinha on the list of 26 Seleção Brasileira players for Copa of Mundo in 2026. The 29-year-old Barcelona striker returns to the main group after periods of recovery from injury. The call-up reinforces the player’s role as a constant option in the attack.
Raphinha was born on December 14, 1996, as Porto Alegre. Ele grew up in the Restinga region, a peripheral neighborhood in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. Desde Soon, football appeared as a path. The player began his professional career at Avaí, a club from Santa Catarina, where he debuted at the age of 19.
Início on Avaí and jump to Portugal
Raphael Dias Belloli, the athlete’s full name, passed through Avaí’s youth categories. Ele played 16 games for the main team and scored five goals between the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016. The performance caught the attention of European scouts. In February 2016, Raphinha signed with Guimarães’s Vitória’s Portugal.
At the Portuguese club, the winger played in 84 matches and found the net 22 times. Ele also defended the B team for a few months. The 2017 season marked local recognition. Raphinha received the award for Jogador Revelação of the year. The fast and skillful style with controlled ball gained space in Primeira Liga.
In 2018, Sporting CP paid to sign him. In the new team, he participated in 41 games, with nine goals and five assists. The high point came in the 2018/19 season. The team won Taça from Portugal and Taça from Liga. Raphinha directly contributed to the national double.
- Início on Avaí debuts at age 19
- 84 games and 22 goals for Vitória of Guimarães
- Títulos of Taça of Portugal and Taça of Liga by Sporting CP
- Transição to Rennes in 2019 with 36 appearances and eight goals
Passagem by França and arrival at Inglaterra
Rennes, from French Ligue 1, signed Raphinha in 2019. Ele played 36 times and scored eight goals in just over a year. The period served as a bridge to larger markets. In October 2020, Leeds United, from Premier League, invested in the Brazilian.
Na Inglaterra, Raphinha experienced one of the most consistent phases of their career so far. Ele played 67 games, scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists. The striker adapted to the physical pace of the English league. Torcedores of Leeds still remembers dribbling and precise finishing. The club fought against relegation, but the player established himself as the main offensive weapon.
Transferência to Barcelona and consolidation in the elite
In July 2022, FC Barcelona paid around 58 million euros to take Raphinha away from Leeds. Arriving at Camp Nou represented the culmination of the journey to date. Ele wore the number 11 jersey and quickly gained minutes under different coaches.
Até May 2026, the striker has played more than 170 games for the Catalan club. In the 2024/25 season, he had a special moment with 34 goals and 22 assists in all competitions. Barcelona won the Spanish title. Raphinha joined a select group by scoring a hat trick against Bayern from Munique in Champions League.
In the current 2025/26 season, the winger already has 13 goals and three assists in La Liga, with around 1,388 minutes on the field. Ele plays as a right winger or occasional center forward. Versatility helps the team with quick transitions and precise crossings. His strong left foot allows for shots from outside the box and free kicks.
Presença in Seleção Brasileira and trajectory with Amarelinha
Raphinha debuted for the main Seleção in October 2021, against Venezuela. Ele had two assists in the match. Desde then, the player participated in 31 games and contributed with ten goals and eight assists. Ele was in the 2022 Mundo Copa and the 2024 Copa América.
The call for 2026 comes at a time of recovery. Raphinha has overcome a thigh injury suffered in March. Barcelona’s recent return to the pitch reassured the coaching staff. Ancelotti counts on the striker’s eye for goal and European experience in the group of 26 names.
Raphinha’s style combines speed, short dribbling and finishing ability. At 1.76 m tall, he compensates for his physical size with positional intelligence and constant movement. The attacker prefers to play on the right side, cutting inside with his left foot.
Ficha technique and career numbers
Altura: 1.76 m Peso approximate: 72 kg Pé preferred: left Posição main: right winger Clubes: Avaí, Vitória of Guimarães, Sporting CP, Rennes, Leeds United and Barcelona
Raphinha has more than 360 professional games in his career. Ele exceeds 80 goals and 60 assists in total. The current market values it at around 80 million euros. The contract with Barcelona runs until June 2028.
The player maintains a discreet routine off the field. Ele values family and connecting with origins at Porto Alegre. The rise of a favela in Rio Grande do Sul to Barcelona serves as an inspiration for young people in Brasil.
Confirmation on the Ancelotti list for the 2026 Copa completes a cycle of dedication. Raphinha reaches Mundial with maturity at 29 years old. Ele represents the mixture of Brazilian technique with experience accumulated in Europa. The attacker must compete for position in the attack alongside other renowned names.
Seleção preparation continues over the next few weeks. Raphinha remains focused on Barcelona until the moment of final concentration. The track record shows resilience across different leagues and cultures. The player turned initial challenges into consistent opportunities.
