Raphinha at FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil's New Offensive Leader
He was the Champions League's top scorer in 2024-25. He helped Barcelona win a domestic treble. He contributed 55 goals and 29 assists across two seasons at Camp Nou. Raphinha Adelino Monteiro Claro arrives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup not as a secondary option behind Neymar, but as the undisputed creative leader of the most decorated team in World Cup history.
Player Profile
Born December 14, 1996, in Porto Alegre, Raphinha came through Avai's academy before moving to Europe, spending time at Vitesse, Rennes, and Leeds United before Barcelona paid 58 million euros for his services in 2022. His first two seasons at Camp Nou were productive but not spectacular. Then came 2024-25 — a season that transformed his reputation entirely.
Deployed as a right winger, or occasionally centrally behind the striker, Raphinha became the heartbeat of a Barcelona side that won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de España, and reached the Champions League final. His 23 goals in the Champions League alone made him the competition's top scorer.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1996 (age 29) |
| Position | Right Winger / Forward |
| Club | FC Barcelona (Spain) |
| Last 2 Barcelona seasons | 55 goals + 29 assists across 2023-24 and 2024-25 |
| 2024-25 UCL | Top scorer in the Champions League |
| Honours | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa (2024-25 treble) |
| Brazil Career | 18+ goal involvements in 38 appearances |
Brazil's New Identity Under Ancelotti
With Neymar's availability uncertain and his powers diminished by injury, Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti have built a system around collective attacking excellence. Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Rodrygo provide pace and creativity in wide areas, with Endrick and Matheus Cunha competing for the central striker role.
Raphinha's role is to create from the right, cut inside on his left foot, and provide the assists and goals that Brazil's historically prolific World Cup campaigns have been built on. He admits he is "not yet at peak condition" after an injury, but contributed an assist in Brazil's 2-1 friendly win over Egypt on June 6, 2026.
Brazil's Group C at the 2026 World Cup
Brazil face Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C. Their opener against Morocco on June 13 is the group's key fixture — Morocco are a disciplined, physical team who reached the semi-finals in 2022. Raphinha's dribbling and direct runs will be crucial in breaking down compact defensive structures. Brazil are heavy favourites to top the group.
- June 13: Brazil vs Morocco
- Brazil vs Scotland
- Brazil vs Haiti
Frequently Asked Questions
Raphinha has been recovering from an injury but featured for Brazil in their June 2026 warm-up fixtures, contributing an assist against Egypt. He expects to reach full fitness during the group stage.
In the 2024-25 Champions League season, Raphinha was the competition's top scorer, cementing his status as one of the world's best forwards in the biggest games.
Brazil's attack at the 2026 World Cup is led by Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Rodrygo, with Endrick competing for the striker role under manager Carlo Ancelotti.