Skip to content
Welcome, thoughtbot's Giant Robots listeners!Start here
Raphinha
AI-generated illustration
PersonBR

Raphinha

FC Barcelona and Brazil winger whose 2026 World Cup call-ups earned his club FIFA money.

Raphinha carried Brazil's attack through Neymar's calf-injury absence at the 2026 World Cup, his tournament ending when Norway eliminated Brazil at MetLife Stadium on 5 July.

Last refreshed: 23 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Raphinha carried Brazil's attack all tournament; is he now the senior forward for the rebuild?

Timeline for Raphinha

View full timeline →
Follow 2026 FIFA World Cup →

Background

Raphinha is a Brazilian right winger for FC Barcelona and The National team, Born 14 December 1996 in Porto Alegre. He moved to Barcelona from Leeds United for around 58 million euros in 2022, having previously played for Vitoria, Sporting CP and Rennes.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar he scored twice and set up two more before Brazil's quarter-final exit to Croatia on penalties. With Neymar sidelined by a calf strain for the entire group stage, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior carried Brazil's attack from the opening match against Morocco on 13 June.

He is established under Hansi Flick as one of LaLiga's most consistent wide players, and with Neymar's retirement from international football he is regarded in Brazil as a candidate for a senior attacking role in the rebuild Carlo Ancelotti now faces.

Common Questions

Reference

Why is FC Barcelona getting paid for the World Cup?
FIFA's Club Benefits Programme compensates clubs for releasing players to national squads; Barcelona's 2026 share reflects call-ups across both qualifying and the finals.Source: event
How much did Raphinha's Brazil call-ups earn Barcelona?
FIFA's Club Benefits Programme credited Barcelona with 26,585 euros for Raphinha's 13 qualifying call-ups, part of the club's 153,375 euro qualifying-phase share.Source: event
When did Neymar retire from the Brazil national team?
Neymar retired from international football on 5 July 2026, immediately after Brazil's round-of-16 exit to Norway.Source: event
Who consoled Neymar when he retired from Brazil?
Raphinha and Vinicius Junior consoled Neymar as he wept on the MetLife Stadium pitch after his retirement announcement on 5 July 2026.Source: Lowdown
How did Brazil's 2026 World Cup end for Raphinha?
Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the round of 16 on 5 July, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals.Source: event
Why is Raphinha important for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?
With Neymar confirmed absent for the Morocco opener and Estevão injured for the whole tournament, Raphinha and Vinicius Júnior are Brazil's principal attacking threats. His direct running, set-piece delivery and goal threat from wide positions are central to Ancelotti's attack.Source: Lowdown
Was Raphinha part of Brazil's World Cup squad in 2026?
Yes. Raphinha was confirmed in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man squad on 18 May 2026 and played through the group stage and knockouts.Source: Lowdown
Who replaced Neymar for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?
With Neymar sidelined and later retired, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior carried Brazil's attack alongside Matheus Cunha.
How much did Barcelona pay for Raphinha?
Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 for approximately €58 million.Source: Lowdown
How did Raphinha perform at the 2022 World Cup?
He scored two goals and provided two assists in the group stage, but Brazil were eliminated on penalties by Croatia in the quarter-finals. He was one of Brazil's best performers despite the early exit.Source: Lowdown
Has Raphinha played in a World Cup before 2026?
Yes. Raphinha was part of Brazil's Qatar 2022 squad, where he played and scored in the group stages, before Brazil were eliminated by Croatia in the quarter-finals on penalties.
Is Raphinha in Brazil's World Cup squad for 2026?
Yes. Raphinha was confirmed in Brazil's final 26-man squad on 18 May 2026. With Neymar injured and Estevão ruled out, he and Vinicius Júnior are the main attacking threats for the group stage.Source: Lowdown
How does Raphinha fit in Brazil's attack?
Raphinha typically operates on the right wing or as a second striker; with Vinicius Júnior on the left and the returning Neymar, Brazil's forward line at 2026 is one of the most talent-dense in the tournament.Source: Lowdown
What club does Raphinha play for?
Raphinha plays for FC Barcelona, where he has been since joining from Leeds United in 2022.
Is Raphinha in Brazil's World Cup squad?
Yes. Raphinha was confirmed in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man Brazil World Cup squad announced on 18 May 2026.Source: Lowdown
Source Material
Raphinha

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 23 July 2026. Editorial standards.