Raphinha has wasted no time making his mark as Brazil’s new permanent No. 10.

The Barcelona winger began his new chapter with the national team by providing an assist in his first game wearing Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirt. It was a significant moment for the 29-year-old, who now carries one of the most famous numbers in international football.

The No. 10 shirt carries enormous expectations in Brazil, having previously been worn by legends such as Pelé, Ronaldinho and Neymar. Raphinha’s appointment therefore represents more than a simple change of squad numbers. It places him at the centre of Brazil’s attacking plans as the national team enters a new era.

And his first performance in the shirt provided an immediate indication of what he can offer.

Raphinha Delivers on His No. 10 Debut

Raphinha marked his first appearance as Brazil’s permanent No. 10 by setting up a goal, contributing directly to the attack and demonstrating the creativity that has become an important part of his game.

For a player taking on such a prestigious shirt, making an immediate contribution will naturally attract attention.

The Brazilian winger has developed into one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players, combining pace, direct running, pressing intensity and an increasing ability to produce goals and assists.

His latest international contribution comes at a time when his club form has also been outstanding.

14 Goals and 4 Assists This Season

Raphinha has enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Barcelona.

Across all competitions so far, he has recorded 14 goals and 4 assists, giving him 18 direct goal contributions.

Those numbers underline his growing importance to Barcelona’s attack.

The Brazilian has become much more than a traditional winger who relies primarily on pace and dribbling. He has added greater efficiency in the final third, improved his movement without the ball and developed into a consistent goal threat.

His scoring numbers are particularly impressive because Raphinha is capable of influencing matches in several different ways.

He can create chances for teammates, attack defenders one-on-one, make runs behind defensive lines and arrive in dangerous positions to finish attacks himself.

That versatility is also valuable for Brazil.

A New Chapter for Brazil

Taking the No. 10 shirt permanently means Raphinha will inevitably face comparisons with the players who previously wore it.

Neymar’s association with the number is particularly strong, making the transition an important moment for Brazilian football.

However, Raphinha does not need to replicate Neymar’s career or playing style to make the shirt his own.

His strengths are different. He brings intensity, aggression, pressing and directness, while also possessing the technical quality required to operate in advanced attacking positions.

The assist in his first match as the new No. 10 could therefore be viewed as an encouraging beginning rather than simply another statistic.

Brazil will need attacking players capable of taking responsibility, creating opportunities and delivering decisive moments. Raphinha’s recent club form suggests he is entering this international period with confidence.

Barcelona Form Giving Brazil Plenty to Be Excited About

His performances for Barcelona have also increased the attention surrounding his international role.

Fourteen goals and four assists in all competitions is a significant return, particularly this early in the campaign.

His recent goalscoring form has demonstrated that he is capable of carrying a considerable share of the attacking responsibility for his club.

For Brazil, that is potentially important.

The national team has traditionally been associated with technically gifted attacking players, but modern international football also demands players who can work without the ball and contribute to defensive pressure.

Raphinha’s willingness to press and compete makes him particularly useful in a high-intensity system.

At the same time, his current confidence in front of goal gives Brazil another player capable of deciding matches.

The Road Ahead

The first assist in the No. 10 shirt is only the beginning.

Raphinha will now be expected to maintain his high level for both club and country while adapting to the expectations that come with one of football’s most recognizable numbers.

His current statistics provide plenty of evidence that he is in excellent form.

14 goals. 4 assists. 18 goal contributions. And now an assist in his first match as Brazil’s permanent No. 10.

For Raphinha, the message is clear: the new chapter has started with an immediate contribution.

The challenge now is consistency.

If he can maintain his current level throughout the season, his influence at Barcelona and with Brazil could become one of the major storylines of the campaign.

For now, though, Raphinha has made the perfect start to life as Brazil’s new No. 10 — by doing what every great attacking player is expected to do: produce.