Raphinha handed Brazil's iconic No.10 shirt after Neymar retirement

Raphinha inherits Brazil's No.10

Barcelona star Raphinha has been rewarded for his outstanding start to the season with an iconic new shirt number on the international stage.

The number in question is Brazil’s famed 10. Following Neymar Jr’s retirement from international football, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff have handed the shirt to Barcelona’s in-form attacker.

Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League

Form at club level

Raphinha is fresh off a spectacular opening to the new campaign. In a new centre-forward role in Hansi Flick’s XI, the former Leeds United man has run riot en route to 17 direct goal contributions in just eight appearances.

Not only that, but the 29-year-old has taken on the responsibility of Barcelona’s captain’s armband with minimal fuss, looking an elite leader on and off the pitch alike.

International honour

This week the Brazilian has in turn been afforded a fresh honour on the part of his native country. With Neymar Jr no longer available for selection, the No.10 jersey has been passed to Raphinha, marking a symbolic changing of the guard for the Selecao attack.