Before Barcelona and Brazil, There Was Rennes: Raphinha's Ligue 1 Breakthrough
Today, Raphinha is one of the biggest stars in European football. A leader for FC Barcelona, a regular for Brazil and one of the continent's most productive attacking players, the winger has established himself among the elite. But before the Champions League nights, before the goals and assists on football's biggest stages, there was Rennes.
When Stade Rennais signed Raphinha from Sporting CP in the summer of 2019, the Brazilian was still an emerging talent looking to take the next step in his career. At just 22 years old, he arrived in Ligue 1 with plenty of promise but little of the global recognition he enjoys today. What followed was a brief yet unforgettable spell in Brittany.
Under Julien Stéphan, Rennes were building one of the most exciting projects in French football, and Raphinha quickly became a key part of it. His explosive pace, flair, creativity and willingness to take on defenders immediately won over supporters at Roazhon Park.
The Brazilian would go on to score eight goals and provide seven assists in just 36 appearances for the club, helping Rennes secure a historic first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage. Looking back years later, Raphinha still speaks warmly about his time in Brittany.
"What convinced me to go there was the club's ambition, but also the project they had for me and the sincerity I felt from the president," he told France Football. "I don't regret my decision at all, even though I left after one year. For me, it's a great club with spectacular facilities."
The origin story
On 31 January 2020, Rennes welcomed fierce rivals FC Nantes to Roazhon Park for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. In front of a packed crowd, the hosts emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 derby win, with Raphinha taking centre stage.
The Brazilian scored twice against Christian Gourcuff's side, producing the only Ligue 1 brace of his career. On a night full of intensity and emotion, he repeatedly tormented the Nantes defence with his movement, technical quality and eye for goal.
It was the perfect snapshot of what Raphinha brought to Rennes: excitement, unpredictability and the ability to decide games in an instant.
Yet his impact extended beyond individual moments. During the 2019-20 campaign, Rennes reached the Coupe de France semi-finals and finished in a Champions League qualification spot when the season was halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We managed to qualify directly for the Champions League group stage," Raphinha recalled. "The Covid crisis helped us a little because the season stopped early, but we really had an excellent season."
His adaptation to life in France was not always straightforward, but he remembers the support he received from those around him.
"Like in Portugal, everyone I met in France tried to help me as much as possible so that I could adapt, even though I didn't speak the language at all, which made things a bit complicated. I am very grateful to have worn that shirt and helped the team play in the Champions League for the first time in its history."
The connection remains strong to this day. "Rennes remains special for me. I still follow the team."
Soon after leaving Brittany, Raphinha continued his rise with Leeds United before earning a move to Barcelona, where he has become one of the world's leading attackers. But for Rennes supporters, memories of the Brazilian winger dazzling defenders and lighting up Roazhon Park remain vivid.
Before the trophies, before the captain's armband and before becoming one of Brazil's most influential players, there was Rennes. And there was a glimpse of the superstar he would become.
Relive Raphinha's unforgettable derby display against Nantes on the L1 Vintage channel.
