Diniz transforms Rayan at Vasco, from prospect to 2025 star | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz has reshaped Rayan at Vasco, lifting him from prospect to the team’s focal point in 2025. He ended as Copa do Brasil top scorer, was named Campeonato Brasileiro revelation and signed a new contract with a release clause of 80 million euros.

"In the first session he told me to carry the ball into the goal. I did, he said I had great potential and a chance with the Seleção, and that opened my mind." He was speaking to ge.

Rayan joined Vasco aged six and stepped up in 2023 under Maurício Barbieri. He had few chances with Ramón Díaz and returned to the academy, then in 2024 featured under Rafael Paiva without securing a place.

By January 2025 he had three goals in 41 games and had been sent off in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg against Athletico-PR. Diniz’s arrival changed that, and he became the team’s attacking reference.

Vasco’s stance shifted off the pitch too. Early this year the club would only consider bids above R$100 million, and after Friday’s renewal his release clause is 80 million euros.

Diniz’s track record is clear. At Fluminense he developed André and Arias, Libertadores winners in 2023 who later joined Wolverhampton for more than 40 million euros, about R$250 million. He is also aiding Philippe Coutinho, who he said had considered retirement.

At São Paulo he accelerated Antony’s rise, and he repositioned Bruno Guimarães before a 20 million euro sale plus about R$50 million later.

Source: PaponaColina