Raphinha: "I once begged on the streets to fill my stomach."

Ahead of the Catalan derby between Barcelona and Espanyol, Barcelona player Raphinha gave an interview to *Marca*, emphasizing the importance of both technique and effort for players, and he noted that Lamine Yamal resembles Neymar.



Do you prefer a more thrilling derby? 
Raphinha: "After everything I've been through, I can assure you that it doesn’t matter if the teams are fighting for relegation or the league title in a derby. For example, Leeds vs. Manchester United is a historic derby in England. In the Catalan derby, we've given them a lot of trouble. They had to work harder than expected."

What derbies have you played in Brazil? 
Raphinha: "Street derbies, those are the truly thrilling matches. When I was younger, living in a favela, I was used to seeing people walk by with guns. Some fans would bring weapons to the matches. They tried to scare you so that their team would win. Once, when we were kids, someone started banging on our locker room door. 'If you win, don’t think you’ll get out of here,' they shouted. We lost, but that was because they were much stronger."

As time goes by, how do you view that part of your life?
Raphinha: "It's hard to talk about. Life in South America is completely different from life in Europe."

Do you remember that part of your life, or do you choose to forget because it was too bad?  
Raphinha: "It’s impossible to forget. Those were tough times that made you stronger and helped you grow both personally and professionally."

Is there a particular moment that stands out to you?  
Raphinha: "When I was about 12 years old. I was with a friend, and after training, we were both covered in dirt. The club had no shower facilities, and the bus took a long time to arrive. We were hungry but had no money. So we started begging on the streets to fill our stomachs. It was a bit complicated; people didn’t want to be disturbed. Some kind-hearted people helped us, but I understand those who didn’t give us anything. It’s complicated being stopped; we looked like kids living on the street. It’s normal for people to be afraid."

It’s a different life.
Raphinha: "Yes, another life. It’s important not to forget everything we went through. Memories make you a better person."

So how did you escape that life?  
Raphinha: "I know many kids who, in my opinion, are better than me. Technically, they are far superior. But being a successful athlete requires more than just technique. Today, you might be the most skilled in your generation, but without discipline (no matter how good your technique is), it’s of no use… If you don’t realize you will have to endure being away from home and friends; if you don’t understand that you have to stay away from nightlife and parties; if you don’t think you have to give up those things, then technique is useless. Technique is important, but it must go hand in hand with effort."

Which is more important, technique or effort?
Raphinha: "Choosing between the two is very difficult. We seem to have less than a second to make decisions. Ultimately, on the pitch, you have to make the best choice, even if outside opinions differ. On the pitch, you only have your own two eyes, while people outside can see everything."

Is decision-making the key that distinguishes top players from others? 
Raphinha: "The most important thing is knowing what you’re going to do before you get the ball. You need to map the entire field in your mind. You have to take your eyes off the ball and see what’s happening around you. Those who can do that are geniuses."

Are you talking about Messi?  
Raphinha: "Messi is from another world; he can’t be explained."

Will Yamal follow in Messi’s footsteps?  
Raphinha: "I think he’s more like Neymar. His dribbling, the speed at which he thinks about his dribbling. When you think you can take the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen before."

Football is a game, even a very fun game, but can it turn into a torment? 
Raphinha: "Pressure… I haven’t played football without social media, so I can’t compare. But in the current context, you post a picture on social media, and people think they have the right to criticize you, while you have to remain silent… We’re doing our job. We’re lucky to be professional footballers, but we’ve worked very hard for this. When things go wrong, people point fingers at you, and that’s not pleasant. Would I go to a lawyer’s social media who lost a case and tell him he’s terrible?"

Is it harder to play football in Europe or South America? 
Raphinha: "It’s harder to play in South America. People set off fireworks at your house and follow you in cars. Living in Europe is also tough, but for different reasons. Playing at a big club like Barcelona, being criticized is normal. The expectations here are the highest. I need some time to adapt."

Is it an adjustment on the field or a psychological one?  
Raphinha: "Both. At this club, you must always win. When things don’t go well…"

Why don’t they go well? 
Raphinha: "I don’t know. Maybe my high expectations for myself hold me back a bit. If I knew where the problem was, I could overcome it more quickly."