A few months ago, Leeds United beat Southampton 3-0 thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford, Stuart Dallas and a late free kick from Raphinha.
Raphinha’s goal was a lovely free kick that flew into the left hand side of the goal. He then wheeled away in celebration before revealing a shirt that read “Muita forca para a familia Assis Moreira Descanse em paz, Dona Miguelina”. This was a tribute to Ronaldinho’s mother who had sadly passed away. But how does Raphinha know one of the greatest players to ever touch a ball?
He actually met Ronaldinho at just 7 years old, at the Barcelona legend’s birthday party no less. Raphinha’s dad was a musician in a samba band that was playing at the event, and with Ronaldinho growing up in the same community, he was familiar with Raphinha’s father anyway.
Raphinha claimed that Ronaldinho walked around with him for a bit upon meeting him. Raphinha says he still considers Ronaldinho a friend, and that the legend still watches Raphinha’s games today.
