‘If he does something silly, we call him out’: Raphinha talks Lamine, Neymar, Vinicius, Brazil, World Cup | OneFootball

FC Barcelona captain Raphinha is already eager to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to be one of Brazil’s leaders as they attempt to win the trophy once again.

In a long interview with TNT Sports (h/t SPORT), the Barcelona winger shared stories from the dressing room and, above all, spoke in depth about his close relationship with Lamine Yamal, as well as his equation with Brazilian players from the Real Madrid squad.

On Lamine Yamal

Opening up on the strong bond he shares with Lamine and their joint celebrations on the field, Raphinha detailed:

“He’s 11 years younger than me. As for our joint celebration, well, we saw it online and agreed to do it. It went well. It doesn’t have any great symbolic meaning, other than that sense of brotherhood.

“I really see him as if he were a much younger brother. In fact, he’s even younger than my own younger brother. That’s why I see him as a younger brother. I try to give him advice as best I can.”

The Brazilian explained that he tries to help Lamine in every possible way as the young player continues to grow, saying:

“I also try to pass on my life experience to him. Obviously, when it comes to individual characteristics and quality, I can’t teach him. You don’t learn that overnight. It’s a natural talent. The truth is, I always try to pass on a bit of my experience to him.

“He’s a very good lad. He always listens, often asks for advice, and even if he does something silly, we tell him off and he listens. He’s very good; we have a very good relationship even though there’s an 11-year age gap between us.”

Raphinha sees Lamine as a younger sibling. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Raphinha also said he would love to see a World Cup final between Brazil and Spain, mentioning a previous conversation involving Neymar and Lamine.

“Neymar and Lamine Yamal have agreed on a Brazil v Spain final at the World Cup. I’d be up for a match like that in the final too. It would be great to have a Brazil v Spain final,” Raphinha admitted.

“I don’t mind who’s playing for the opposition, like Lamine. We’ve got plenty of top-quality players on our side too. It would be incredible. It would be a really exciting match.”

On relationship with Real Madrid players

When speaking about relationships with Real Madrid players, like Vinicius Jr. and Eder Militao, in the Brazilian national team, Raphinha explained that club rivalries disappear naturally once everyone joins the national side

“I’ve never noticed that, at least in the case of Vini and me, or Rodrygo, Militao and Endrick. When we join the national team, we practically leave the club rivalry behind because we know we’re defending our country regardless of where we play,” he said.

Continuing, he added: “I don’t think it’s something forced. It’s not a case of: ‘I have to join the national team and I have to put that aside’. No. It’s something that happens naturally. We arrive at the training camp and get on well with one another.

“Even in the Clasicos we respect each other; each of us defends our team with whatever we’ve got, but once we’re in the national team, the rivalry ceases to exist. We put our clubs aside and focus on the national team.

“Sometimes we get fired up, yes, but that’s normal. If a Clasico didn’t get heated, it wouldn’t be a Clasico.”

On the World Cup

Raphinha also admitted he is becoming increasingly excited about the World Cup, saying:

“I’m very anxious, but only when the World Cup is approaching. For example, I’m feeling anxious about the World Cup right now, but it’s not the same as being 15 days away from the tournament or the day before our opening match.

“These are natural nerves about playing in this tournament. We end up feeling this way because a World Cup is a World Cup – there’s no way to take it for granted. This anxiety and nervousness are natural, regardless of the level each player is at.”

Excited for the World Cup. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

The Barcelona winger also explained what he would do if Brazil won the tournament, as he said:

“I remember that after the final, I went out to play football in the street. In the neighbourhood, the streets were packed with people celebrating with barbecues.

“Everywhere you went, you saw people having a good time. I remember it was a day full of celebrations and football. If I win the World Cup, I’ll be back in a flash.”

Finally, Raphinha spoke about his leadership role within Brazil, saying: “I feel that I have a different level of maturity now compared to when I first arrived, when I played in my first World Cup with Brazil. I feel that I carry more responsibility now than I did before.

“I’m not trying to do anything differently. I try to be the same, to help the younger players and even the more experienced ones too. Sometimes I need help myself.

“In particular, I try to grow and improve by learning from the things the younger players teach us. I try to pass on to the lads not just my experience on the pitch, but also in life. I want to show them the best path for them.”