Who is Rayan? Brazil's wonderkid at FIFA World Cup 2026
The teenager is part of the Selecao squad at the 2026 World Cup.
The attacker, a Vasco da Gama product, has a lifelong passion for football and is now a key player for Seleçao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rayan’s story is inextricably linked to football and Vasco da Gama. For him, the two are almost intertwined. The 19-year-old forward, who has almost spent his whole football career at São Januário, is now plying his trade for Brazil at the World Cup.
Rayan is the son of Valkmar, a former Vasco player who won several trophies with the club that launched his own career. Now his father will be watching with joy as his son plays for Brazil at the World Cup, having been called up by Carlo Ancelotti to the national team squad.
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Who is Rayan? Brazil’s wonderkid at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Club: AFC Bournemouth
Age: 19
Position: Forward/winger
Rayan joined Vasco at the age of seven and began playing futsal. He grew up in Barreira do Vasco, a district near São Januário. The club became a part of his identity.
During his progress, he became accustomed to hearing stories about Vasco’s great forwards, such as Romario and Roberto Dinamite.
Rayan had a breakout season last year. With 20 goals in all competitions, he helped Vasco reach the Copa do Brasil final. A campaign made possible in part by coach Fernando Diniz’s faith in him, who confirmed his ongoing involvement at the club until 2025.
Rayan’s talents quickly drew the notice of AFC Bournemouth, which signed him earlier this year. Nonetheless, he is certain about the significance Vasco had in his playing career.
Rayan has swiftly adapted to English football, appearing in 15 games for the Cherries last season and scoring five goals and assisting on two occasions.
Rayan’s playing style
Rayan is a direct, strong, and physically intimidating left-footed forward recognised for his quickness, aggressive dribbling, and devastating finishing. He has evolved from a traditional right-winger who cuts inside to a flexible central forward, making him a continuous danger in the box and during transitions.
Rather than depending on continual trickery and stepovers, Rayan drives straight at defenders. His powerful initial stride and great body control make him impossible to stop once he starts going.
While he is a great finisher with raw physical advantages, his back-to-goal hold-up play and aerial powers are still developing, making him an unrefined but promising future.
How old is Rayan?
He is 19 years old.
Is he in the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes.
Which position does he play in?
He plays as a right-winger.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.