Raphinha is unquestionably one of Spain’s and Europe’s best players this season. The FC Barcelona forward is not only a regular starter for Hansi Flick, but he has also smashed his previous scoring marks, with 25 goals and 18 assists so far this season, enabling the Blaugrana club to remain a contender for all major prizes.
Meanwhile, his performances for the Catalan team are being noticed outside the club, as evidenced by his elevated stature in Brazil’s national team.
He was handed the number 10 in the Canarinha team in November. It is one of the most iconic shirts in global football, previously worn by Pele, Rivaldo, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.
The Barcelona star demonstrated that this historic shirt did not weigh heavily on his shoulders by scoring a free-kick goal against Venezuela the first time he wore it on the pitch.
However, as MD reports, he will not be able to wear this shirt during the forthcoming international break because Neymar has been called up again by Brazilian coach Dorival Junior. Raphinha will hand over the number 10 to the former Blaugrana and current Santos sensation.
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming games against Colombia and Argentina during the next international break was a pleasant surprise, given he has not played for his national team since his injury in October 2023.
