Raphinha

On October 5, 2020, Raphinha, the Brazilian winger, made a significant career move by signing with Leeds United, a club in the English Premier League, for a reported fee of around £17 million. This transfer marked Raphinha's first entry into the English football scene. He quickly became a key player for the team, showcasing his skills and becoming a fan favorite. Raphinha's ability to deliver in crucial moments and his flair on the wing were instrumental in helping Leeds in their campaign, underlining why the club invested in him.

Raphinha scored his first goal for Leeds United on December 29, 2020, in a Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion. The goal was a spectacular long-range effort that contributed to Leeds' emphatic 5-0 victory. This performance highlighted his technical ability and eye for goal, establishing him as a crucial component of Marcelo Bielsa's attacking strategy. The match and Raphinha's performance received wide acclaim from pundits and fans alike, further bolstering his reputation in the Premier League.

Raphinha played a pivotal role on May 19, 2021, when Leeds United secured a 2-0 victory away at Southampton. The match was notable as Leeds completed their first Premier League double over Southampton since the 1991-92 season. Raphinha’s performance was instrumental as he came off the bench to provide an assist for Patrick Bamford's opening goal and scored Leeds' second goal. His contributions throughout the campaign earned him praise for helping Leeds achieve a top-half finish in their first season back in the Premier League.

On June 4, 2021, Raphinha received his first call-up to the Brazil national team for the World Cup qualifying matches. This milestone in Raphinha's career was a testament to his outstanding performances at the club level, particularly with Leeds United in the Premier League. His flair, speed, and goal-scoring ability caught the attention of the Brazil team's coaching staff, earning him a place among the top talents in the national setup. His call-up was widely celebrated by fans and marked his arrival on the international stage.

Raphinha delivered a standout performance in Brazil's 4-0 victory over Paraguay on February 9, 2022, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He scored a goal and was involved in several key plays, demonstrating his importance to Brazil's attacking line-up. This match helped solidify his position in the national team, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level with his creativity and technical skill. His performances in the national team jersey have drawn comparisons to some of the great Brazilian wingers of the past.

On July 13, 2022, Raphinha completed a high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona for a reported fee of €55 million. This move to one of the biggest football clubs in the world was seen as a major step in his career. At Barcelona, Raphinha joined a squad rich in talent, tasked with contributing to the team's success in domestic and international competitions. His transfer was among the summer's most talked-about moves, highlighting his growing reputation as an elite winger with creativity and an eye for goal.

Raphinha made his official debut for FC Barcelona on August 13, 2022, in a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. Although the match ended in a 0-0 draw, Raphinha's performance was closely watched by fans and analysts eager to see how he would integrate into the Barcelona squad. He showed glimpses of his skill and attacking capability, suggesting that he could become a key player for Barcelona. The anticipation surrounding his debut was significant, given the expectations that come with playing for such a storied club.

On April 5, 2023, Raphinha scored in his very first El Clasico, helping FC Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid. This match was one of the highlights of the season for Barcelona, and Raphinha's goal was pivotal in securing the win. His ability to perform in such a high-pressure match further established his status as a key player for Barcelona. The El Clasico is one of the most watched fixtures globally, and excelling in it has historically been a sign of a player who can handle the biggest occasions.

During a La Liga match against Sevilla on October 1, 2023, Raphinha suffered a muscle injury that led him to be substituted. This incident raised concerns among FC Barcelona fans and the management, as he had been a crucial player for the team. The injury was expected to sideline him for several weeks, impacting Barcelona's attacking options. This development was a significant blow to the team, considering his recent form and contributions to crucial matches, including his performances in El Clasico and other important fixtures.