Raphael Dias Belloli — known as Raphinha — was born on 14 December 1996 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and grew up in the Restinga favela. His professional career started at Avaí before stints with Vitória de Guimarães (2016–2018), Sporting CP, Rennes, and Leeds United, where his Premier League performances drew Barcelona's attention.
Barcelona signed him in July 2022 for an initial £50 million (rising to £55 million). His first two seasons in Catalonia were uneven — adapting in 2022–23 (when Barcelona won La Liga), reduced minutes in 2023–24 — before Hansi Flick's arrival redefined his role as a more centrally-minded second forward. The 2024–25 campaign was a breakout: Raphinha shared the Champions League's top-scorer award with 13 goals, led the competition in assists with nine, was named La Liga Player of the Season, and contributed decisively to Barcelona's domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa). He extended his contract through 2028 in May 2025. Recurring hamstring trouble has interrupted his 2025–26 campaign at key moments.
Raphinha made his senior Brazil debut in October 2021, has earned 37 caps with 11 goals, and was named to the Copa América Team of the Tournament after a strong 2024 edition. He also featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A 1.76 m right-footed forward who plays from the right wing or through the middle, he is celebrated for his pace, technical control, ferocious finishing on his stronger left foot when cutting in, and underrated defensive work-rate.