Barcelona star Raphinha recalls childhood struggles and explains his football mentality: ‘Your technical ability is useless if…’
Story updated
The story in brief
14-second readBarcelona winger Raphinha discussed his football mentality in an interview with El País, as reported by Barca Universal. He emphasized that discipline, sacrifice, and hard work are crucial alongside technical ability. Raphinha reflected on his childhood struggles, including going hungry after training and begging for food on the street at age 12.
The full picture
Barcelona winger Raphinha discussed his football mentality in an interview with El País, as reported by Barca Universal. He emphasized that discipline, sacrifice, and hard work are crucial alongside technical ability. Raphinha reflected on his childhood struggles, including going hungry after training and begging for food on the street at age 12. These experiences have shaped his career and appreciation for his opportunities.
Raphinha believes that technical ability alone is insufficient for success in football. He stated that without discipline, a player's technical skill is "useless". He also highlighted the need for personal sacrifices, such as distancing oneself from familiar surroundings and social activities, to succeed in the profession. Raphinha's comments offer insight into his rise as a key player at Barcelona.
Raphinha's perspective is influenced by his difficult childhood experiences in Brazil. He believes that remembering these struggles helps him maintain perspective on his life and career, making him a "better person". He combines his natural talent with discipline and hard work, having established himself as a key player at Barcelona after a period of uncertainty.
At a glance
- Reporting status
- Reported
- Original publisher
- Barca Universal ↗
- Source published
- Clubs covered
- Barcelona
Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.
Source context
Barcelona winger Raphinha has explained why discipline, sacrifice and hard work are just as important as technical ability in professional football, reflecting on the difficult experiences that shaped his career. In an interview with El País (h/t SPORT), the Brazilian discussed the mindset required to succeed at the highest level, drawing on his childhood struggles and the personal sacrifices demanded by life as a footballer. His comments offer an insight into the mentality behind his rise at Barcelona, where he has established himself as a key player after a period in which his future at the club was questioned.
Source excerpt · Barca Universal
Read original report ↗The stands
0 commentsHave your say. Keep it about football. Guest comments are reviewed before appearing publicly.

Be the first to start the conversation.