JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, January 12 — Barcelona edged arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in a frantic Spanish Super Cup final, fueled by a heroic brace from winger Raphinha. The Brazilian’s match-winning performance secured the trophy and earned him Player of the Match honors, capping a dramatic clash that saw three goals in first-half stoppage time and a late red card.
Who is Raphinha? The Barcelona Star’s Profile
Raphinha, is a 29-year-old Brazilian international winger for FC Barcelona. Born Raphael Dias Belloli on December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, he is known for his pace, dribbling, work rate, and finishing ability, he is now a multiple trophy winner with Barça and a key figure for his national team. His brace in the Supercopa final against Real Madrid cemented his status as a player for the biggest occasions.
Raphinha’s Early Life & Club Career
Raphinha began his youth career with Avaí and moved to Europe in 2016. He played for Vitória de Guimarães, Sporting CP, and Rennes before signing with Leeds United in October 2020. Raphinha joined Barcelona in July 2022 and was part of the squad that won La Liga and the Supercopa de España in his first season. He was the leading scorer in the Champions League and a part of Barcelona’s domestic triple in 2024–2025.
Raphinha’s Playing Style and Position
Playing as a left-footed right winger, Raphinha mixes pace, skillful dribbling, and tireless effort. Under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, he regularly drifts inside as a second striker to help build play and take shots. Beating opponents one-on-one, making precise crosses, and scoring game-winning long-range goals are some of his best qualities.
Raphinha Career Stats
Raphinha’s statistics underscore his offensive impact across Europe’s top leagues:
- FC Barcelona (La Liga): 112 apps, 38 goals, 31 assists.
- Leeds United (Premier League): 65 apps, 17 goals, 12 assists.
- UEFA Champions League: 29 apps, 16 goals, 15 assists.
- Brazil National Team: 36 caps, 11 goals.
His career honours include winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, as well as representing Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Raphinha’s Personal Life and Early Challenges
Raphinha came from a difficult background, growing up in a low-income neighbourhood where food was sometimes scarce and his father earned a living as a drummer. His resilience carried him through the youth ranks in Brazil before a European career that took him to Portugal, France, and England. He is married to influencer Natalia Rodrigues Belloli, and they have a son, Gael. He maintains a close friendship with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Why Was Raphinha the Supercopa Final Hero?
In the El Clásico final, Raphinha was the decisive force. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute before adding the deflected winner in the 73rd. The performance summed up his style of play—direct, assured, and effective—and earned him Player of the Match honours and the Supercopa trophy.
FAQs:
Q: How much did Barcelona pay for Raphinha?
A: Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds United in July 2022 for an initial fee reported to be around £50 million.
Q: What is Raphinha’s best attribute?
A: His biggest threat is his mix of rapid dribbling and a strong, accurate left-footed shot, especially when he cuts inside from the right wing.
Q: Which clubs did Raphinha play for before Barcelona?
A: His professional journey includes Avaí (Brazil), Vitória de Guimarães, Sporting CP (Portugal), Stade Rennais (France), and Leeds United (England).
