Raphinha
A Brazilian winger whose electric pace and creative spark on the right flank became a transformative force for Leeds United and earned him a dream move to Barcelona.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Born in Porto Alegre, Raphinha's journey to football's summit was anything but straightforward. He honed his craft in the youth systems of Avaí and Grêmio before taking a bold leap to Europe, joining Vitória Guimarães in Portugal. His dazzling footwork and eye for goal soon caught the attention of Sporting CP, where his performances propelled him into the spotlight. A move to Rennes in France showcased his talents on a bigger stage, but it was his transfer to Leeds United in 2020 that defined his career. In the intense atmosphere of the Premier League, Raphinha emerged as the team's talisman, a constant threat whose goals and assists were vital in the club's survival battles. His blend of relentless work rate, pinpoint crossing, and audacious skill made him a fan favorite and cemented his place in the Brazilian national team. In 2022, he achieved a childhood ambition, signing for FC Barcelona, where he adds directness and flair to one of the world's most storied attacks.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Raphinha was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Raphinha Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Raphinha's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2022–23 La Liga title and the 2022–23 Supercopa de España with FC Barcelona.
- Played a pivotal role in Brazil's 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, starting multiple matches in the knockout stages.
- Was Leeds United's Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season, scoring 11 Premier League goals.
- Helped Brazil win the gold medal at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Did You Know?
His full name is Raphael Dias Belloli, and he is often called 'Rapha' by teammates.
He famously celebrated a goal for Leeds by holding up the shirt of teammate and compatriot Juninho, who had suffered a serious injury.
Before his professional career took off, he was rejected after a trial at Internacional in Brazil.
He is known for his meticulous pre-game ritual of arranging his drinks bottles perfectly on the sideline.
“I always said that my dream was to play for Barcelona. It wasn't just words, it was a real objective.”
