Raphinha: The Newest Blaugrana
By Jim James
After an agreement with Leeds for 75 million Euros was agreed recently, it appears FC Barcelona have won the race for Raphinha with the announcement any day now.
The 25-year old has showed loads of promise and skill for Leeds over the last two seasons in a pretty nomadic and hectic career, and even though is 25, can develop still for 2-3 more seasons. This is the story of Raphinha.
Raphael Dias Belloli, later calling himself Raphinha, was born on December 14 1996, in Restinga, a district near to Porto Alegre. Both his parents worked long, low-paying jobs and he had a tough childhood. He had to share a bedroom with his parents, siblings, and pets. At points he and his family had to beg for food.
However, he had one ace up his sleeve almost every other kid in the world didn’t. His uncle had close relations with Ronaldinho, and Raphinha learned from him as a kid. They too have now developed a close bond. From the start of his career, he also had a relationship with Bruno Fernandes.
For most of his young years, he played in regional tournaments known as Varzea Tournaments, where any prospective footballers were allowed. He caught the eye of Internacional and Gremio scouts, but after trials, rejected the player.
However, in 2014, at 17 years of age, Raphinha found his first youth academy. Avai. It wasn’t Internacional or Gremio, but he would take it. However, he never played for the senior side and made his first move in 2016 at the age of 19.
It was to Vitoria de Guimares, where he made his professional debut at 19 years 4 months old. He was sure a late bloomer. He played there until 2018, where he got closer to the peak of Portuguese football as he moved to Sporting.
His stint at Sporting wasn’t too memorable. Only one trophy, less than 30 appearances, and 6 goals. Still enough to get him a move to Rennes.
He actually had the exact same statline as his Sporting statline, 28 apps, 6 goals. But he was the club’s record signing. After flopping, he needed a move to newly promoted Leeds to get his career back on track.
The Premier League is where so many rise and fall. The proving ground for all footballers. Raphinha stepped up to the plate, and hit a home run. His first goal was a screamer vs Everton, and his second an individual masterpiece against West Brom. He led Leeds to a top half finish in 20-21, and showed up when it mattered in 21-22, scraping Leeds to final day survival.
Barca’s his next task, and boy, I can’t wait. I’m Jim James, until next time.