Raphinha revealed how Italian passport delay led to Brazil dream

Raphinha revealed that, prior to Italy's successful Euro 2020 campaign, he was on the verge of accepting a call-up from the national team.

“I was supposed to go to the Euro they won in 2020. I was basically set to go. So luckily, since the passport didn’t come through,” Raphinha told Isabela Pagliari.

The Barcelona forward explained that he was actively pursued by the Italian staff, with Jorginho frequently reaching out and a compelling project presented to him.

“At that point, the people from the Italian national team were calling me. Jorginho used to call me all the time. The Italian staff had this amazing project for me, something that really caught my eye,” he said.

Despite the strong interest, Raphinha admitted he still held out hope for a Brazil call-up: “But at the same time, deep down, I still had that one percent of hope that I could wear the Brazil shirt. And luckily, my Italian passport didn’t get ready in time!”

Raphinha would go on to make his debut for Brazil in 2021 and has since become a regular for the Selecao, featuring in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.