Raphinha has started his new chapter as Brazil’s No. 10 familiarly, making an attacking contribution.
The Barcelona forward delivered an assist in his first appearance wearing Brazil’s famous No. 10 shirt, giving the role a positive start after Neymar’s international retirement.
It is another sign of how much Raphinha’s role has changed over the past two years. Once primarily known as a winger, the 29 year old has increasingly operated closer to goal under Hansi Flick, a tactical switch he says has changed his career.
Raphinha has now recorded 14 goals and four assists for club and country in all competitions this season so far.
Raphinha begins Brazil No. 10 era with an assist
Taking Brazil’s No. 10 shirt is no ordinary change, and that's because the number has been worn by some of the biggest names in the country's history, including Pelé, Ronaldinho, Kaká and Neymar.
Raphinha now becomes the latest player to carry it following Neymar's departure from international football.
His first match in the shirt came against Australia, and he immediately made an impact by providing an assist.
That contribution continued an impressive opening to the season for the Barcelona forward, who arrived at the international break in excellent form.
Recent reports had Raphinha on 14 goals and three assists before the Australia match, which his latest assist moved him to four for the campaign.
The numbers are particularly notable because his role is no longer limited to operating from the wing.
Hansi Flick changed Raphinha's mentality
Raphinha has repeatedly credited Hansi Flick with helping him become a different player.
Asked about the Barcelona manager, the Brazilian did not hesitate.
“Hansi Flick is the coach who changed my life,” Raphinha said. “I will always say it. He is the person who changed my mentality, both at the club and as a person.”
According to Raphinha, the biggest difference came from the confidence Flick gave him.
“When a coach gives you confidence, you only need a few words. I immediately felt that he completely trusted me.”
That trust has been reflected in Raphinha's performances since Flick took charge at Barcelona.
The Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign under the German coach, finishing with 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 appearances, according to Barcelona's official player profile.
He also finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting, and his form has continued into the current campaign.
Raphinha's move to striker was not an overnight decision
The most interesting part of Raphinha's development has been his gradual move away from being a conventional winger.
He explained that the change was not something that happened suddenly.
“My transition to striker was a gradual process over the last two years,” Raphinha said.
“I like it because it's working wonderfully.”
That evolution has given Barcelona another attacking option while allowing Raphinha to use his pace, movement and finishing closer to the opposition goal.
It also explains why his numbers have become so consistent, because recent Barcelona matches have shown him operating as a central attacking reference rather than simply hugging the touchline.
In the 3-1 win over Sevilla earlier this month, Raphinha scored a hat trick as Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season.
Carlo Ancelotti has also recognised the change, because before Brazil's match against Australia, the national team coach praised Raphinha's performances in his new position, describing what he is doing as “spectacular” in a role that was not originally his.
The Brazil No. 10 comes at an important moment
Raphinha's promotion comes as Brazil begins life after Neymar's long spell as the team's attacking focal point.
Neymar wore Brazil's No. 10 for much of his international career and became one of the country's defining players of the modern era.
He also wore the shirt at four World Cups, matching Pelé's record of appearing at four tournaments for Brazil.
Raphinha therefore inherits more than a number; he inherits a shirt that carries expectations.
Brazil are also entering a new phase under Carlo Ancelotti following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
The Italian manager has already started introducing younger players and looking for the foundations of his next Brazil team.
Raphinha's experience, current club form and versatility make him one of the established players Ancelotti can rely on during that transition.
Raphinha is thriving at the right time
The timing of Raphinha's rise is important, because at Barcelona, he has found a role that appears to suit him increasingly well.
At international level, he has now been handed Brazil's most famous attacking shirt and immediately contributed.
That does not mean the No. 10 automatically belongs to him forever, because Brazil has several attacking players competing for major roles, including Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Estêvão and others coming through, but Raphinha has given himself a strong starting point.
His own explanation of the transformation is perhaps the simplest one that Hansi Flick trusted him, gradually changed his position, and helped alter his mentality.
Now Brazil are asking him to bring that version of Raphinha to the national team.
And judging by his first game wearing No. 10, he has already started answering that call.