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Rafael Alcântara do Nascimento (born 12 February 1993), commonly known as Rafinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who’s last club was Al-Arabi in Qatar.
He started his career with Barcelona, making his debut with the first team in 2011. After a loan at Celta, he played his first La Liga match for the former club in 2014. In October 2020, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
Rafinha represented both Spain and Brazil at youth level, before debuting with the latter as a senior in 2015.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Rafinha joined Barcelona’s youth ranks at the age of 13. On 8 January 2011 he made his professional debut with the B team. He scored his first goal in a 3–2 win at Salamanca, also adding an assist on the day.
Rafinha made his debut with the senior Barcelona squad in November 2011. He came on as a substitute for Cesc Fàbregas. It was the last 15 minutes of a 1–0 away victory over Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey.
During his days at Barca he also had loan spells. He has been at Inter and Celta.
Rafinha signed a three-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain in October 2020. He made his Ligue 1 debut in a 4–0 win at Nîmes. He assisted the opening goal scored by Kylian Mbappé.
Rafinha Alcantara: "I'm nervous because it's my first time here as an analyst and also as a supporter of my team, Barcelona. I hope we can win." pic.twitter.com/wxTZxsDicV
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 16, 2025
He is currently a free agent and looking for a new club. Spain is the likely destination after leaving Qatar club Al-Arabi after two years. He is looking for a chance to get back in action, but still no new destination decided. He is at the moment doing analytics and punditry for broadcaster DAZN.
Strangely only capped twice for his nation Brazil. Both caps coming back in 2015. He has played at international youth level for both Spain and Brazil.
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