Barcelona forward Raphinha names Real Madrid star among Brazil’s key weapons

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Madrid Voice

·11 de junho de 2026

Barcelona forward Raphinha names Real Madrid star among Brazil’s key weapons

Real Madrid endured another trophyless season as they finished the turbulent 2025-26 season without achieving any of their major objectives. The season started with quite a lot of optimism, and the Merengues were finally able to break their losing streak in El Clasico as they defeated Barcelona in the first encounter of the season.

However, the season nose-dived right after that El Clasico, and Real Madrid lost their other two matches against the Blaugranes, one in the Spanish Super Cup and one in La Liga. Beyond the results, the feeling of animosity and rivalry between these two sides was also well apparent, both on and off the pitch.

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Most the players from both the teams would now have to get over these feelings, as they would have to share the dressing room with their colleagues from Barcelona, as they aim for international glory in the World Cup 2026.

This is particularly the case with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, who would be the two leading stars in the Brazilian team that is dreaming of getting the World Cup back in their hands after a long wait of 24 years.

How well these two stars gel and play with one another could very possibly prove to be difference for the Brazilian team in this tournament. Apparently, these players also understand the importance of this partnership, as SPORT reports how Raphinha recognized Vinicius as a decisive player as he addressed a press conference before the start of the World Cup.

Talking about himself and the Real Madrid star, whose future remains quite uncertain, the Blaugrana forward believed they both the ability to lead their team to glory:

“Vinícius and I have the ability to decide a match — and a World Cup — because we have already proven it at our clubs. Above all, you have to understand what the game is asking of you at each moment. We have a team with a lot of attacking options.”

In addition to the presence of Vinicius Jr. and Endrick in the team, another reason why a large part of Real Madrid fans would be supporting Brazil in this World Cup would be the presence of their beloved former coach, Carlo Ancelotti, on the Canarinha bench. Hopefully, the Italian would be able to bring out the best of this duo, and once again prove his credentials at the highest level.