Barcelona winger Raphinha has explained why discipline, sacrifice and hard work are just as important as technical ability in professional football, reflecting on the difficult experiences that shaped his career.
In an interview with El País (h/t SPORT), the Brazilian discussed the mindset required to succeed at the highest level, drawing on his childhood struggles and the personal sacrifices demanded by life as a footballer.
His comments offer an insight into the mentality behind his rise at Barcelona, where he has established himself as a key player after a period in which his future at the club was questioned.
Raphinha says discipline is essential for success
Raphinha believes technical ability alone cannot guarantee success in football, arguing that players must combine their natural talent with discipline and a willingness to work hard.
“Today you might be technically the best of your generation, but without discipline…”
The Barcelona forward’s message is that even the most gifted players can struggle to fulfil their potential if they lack the mindset required to compete consistently at the highest level.
Raphinha has looked back at his childhood struggles. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Raphinha also highlighted the personal sacrifices involved in becoming a professional footballer, particularly the need to distance oneself from familiar surroundings and social activities.
“If you’re not aware that you’re going to have to suffer from being away from home, away from your friends; if you’re not aware that you have to stay away from the nightlife, away from the parties.
“If you don’t realise that you have to put all that aside, then your technical ability is useless,” he asserted.
Barcelona winger Raphinha reflects on sacrifices
For Raphinha, succeeding in football requires players to accept the demands of the profession from an early stage.
Leaving home, managing personal relationships and avoiding distractions can be difficult, but he believes these sacrifices are necessary to make the most of one’s ability.
“Technique is important, but it has to go hand in hand with hard work,” he added.
Raphinha pushes for humility. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Brazilian’s career at Barcelona has included a period of uncertainty over his future before he established himself as one of the team’s important attacking players.
Raphinha recalls childhood struggles
Raphinha’s perspective is closely connected to the difficult circumstances he experienced growing up in Brazil.
During the interview, he recalled that when he was around 12 years old, he and a friend were so hungry after training that they had to beg for food on the street because they had no money.
The experience remains vivid in his memory and has helped influence his appreciation of the opportunities he has earned through football.
Rather than distancing himself from those struggles, Raphinha believes remembering them helps him maintain perspective on his life and career.
“It’s important not to forget everything we went through. Remembering makes you a better person,” he concluded.