Raphinha has emerged as a standout winger for Barcelona, but looking back at his childhood in Brazil, he nearly fell into the depths of drug-related crime. The 27-year-old is enjoying a stellar start to the season, firmly securing his position on the wing.
So far, Raphinha has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 11 La Liga matches. In the Champions League, he has netted four goals in three games.
From Near Despair to Success
Raphinha’s upbringing was marked by hardship, making his current success feel like a dream come true. “This is a harsh reality. I come from Restinga, a neighborhood in Porto Alegre, where it’s hard to find your way and not get lost,” he told UOL Esporte.
“There are many tempting paths to make money, and that’s where people get lost. I never strayed from my path, but I witnessed and lived alongside those who did,” he added.
He explained that drug trafficking presented a tempting source of income, yet he remained focused on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. “I lost many friends to the world of crime and drug trafficking. They played football ten times better than I did, and I believe they should have been playing for top teams worldwide,” he revealed.
“There were times I went hungry on the streets; when I asked for help, I was seen as a beggar. I had to wait for hours for a bus just to get to training. Those were huge sacrifices for a kid aged 12 to 14,” he concluded.
Raphinha began his European career in 2018, moving from Sporting to Stade Rennais, then to Leeds United, and now thriving at Barcelona.
