Raphinha has vowed to repay Carlo Ancelotti’s faith as Brazil begin their World Cup campaign, stepping into greater attacking responsibility with Neymar sidelined. Fresh from a 21-goal season that helped Barcelona reclaim La Liga, Raphinha’s history of unsettling Ancelotti’s teams adds a vivid subplot to Brazil’s opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium.
Raphinha embraces bigger role as Brazil start World Cup campaign
Raphinha has made it clear he is ready to shoulder more of Brazil’s attacking burden as the Selecao chase a record-extending sixth World Cup. With Neymar sidelined for the opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, the Barcelona forward — coming off a 21-goal, eight-assist season — looks primed to lead an attack that also features Vinícius Júnior.
Raphinha framed his commitment as repayment to coach Carlo Ancelotti, who brings vast experience and a fresh managerial chapter to Brazil.
Immediate impact: why this matters
Brazil enter the tournament under intense expectations. The absence of Neymar for the first match sharpens focus on Raphinha and Vinícius, both of whom carry finishing and chance-creation duties. Raphinha’s recent club form gives Brazil a reliable outlet on the right and a proven ability to change games — attributes that matter in tight World Cup knockout football. His confidence against elite opposition adds a psychological edge for a team eager to end 24 years without the trophy.
Subplot: the Ancelotti-Raphinha dynamic
The subplot of Raphinha facing the coach he once troubled in La Liga is one of the tournament’s juicier storylines. During his Barcelona years, Raphinha delivered decisive goals and performances against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid sides — including a memorable 4-0 Bernabéu display and a two-goal contribution in a 4-3 Barca win. That history fuels narrative, but the practical takeaway is simpler: Raphinha knows how to perform on the biggest stages and against top coaches, which should translate to trust and minutes from Ancelotti.
Fitness, form and availability
Raphinha missed the majority of Brazil’s autumn friendlies due to injuries, raising questions about match sharpness. Still, his club campaign suggests durability and end-product are intact. He says he feels more mature than in 2022, when he underperformed relative to expectations at his first World Cup. That self-awareness is valuable; Brazil need a composed, clinical wide attacker who can link play, finish chances, and relieve pressure centrally.
How Brazil might adjust tactically
Ancelotti’s blueprint typically values structure combined with attacking freedom for wide players. Expect Raphinha to operate high and wide, exchanging positions with Vinícius and occasionally cutting inside to exploit space. Without Neymar, play may route more through Barcelona’s right flank and through midfield connectors who can feed quick transitions. This approach preserves creative variety while leveraging Raphinha’s pace and finishing.
What to watch next
Immediate signs to monitor: Raphinha’s intensity off the ball, his decision-making in the final third, and his chemistry with Vinícius. Brazil’s opening result against Morocco will set the tone for Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti. If Raphinha delivers early, it could ease pressure on the squad and force opponents to respect Brazil’s wide threats, opening lanes for midfielders and forwards.
Bottom line
Raphinha arrives at this World Cup at the intersection of form, confidence and expectation. His personal rivalry with Ancelotti adds narrative spice, but the practical consequence is clear: Brazil need him to be decisive.
President Trump not planning on attending United States' opening World Cup game
If he can translate his Barcelona season into consistent international output, Brazil’s attack becomes significantly more dangerous — and their pursuit of a sixth World Cup that much more credible.
Yahoo! News
