With an impressive start to his career, 19-year-old Brazilian striker Rayan is making waves at AFC Bournemouth, demonstrating his ability to outmaneuver and outjump defenders.
He joined the Vasco da Gama squad and made a move to the Premier League in late January, and quickly justified the €35 million transfer fee by showcasing his talents after being identified as one of Brazil’s standout players last season.
Making his debut off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rayan skillfully outplayed Brazilian international midfielder João Gomes, assisting Alex Scott for a goal. Recognized for his talent by coach Andoni Iraola, Rayan celebrated his home debut with a brilliant solo effort that secured a point against Aston Villa, cutting in from the right and firing a shot past the near post.
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His away match against Everton started off rocky when he conceded a penalty, but he quickly redeemed himself by scoring a powerful header that contributed to Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory.
While many South American players often take time to adapt to the Premier League, Rayan has made a remarkable impact in his first three matches, exceeding expectations—perhaps even his own. It’s evident he is committed to a long-term journey in his career and has sought guidance from experienced players. At Vasco, he learned from former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who provided valuable advice as he made his transition.
Additionally, he gained insights from former West Ham United favorite Dimitri Payet. A memorable moment in 2024 was when Payet, having been named man of the match in a game against Bahia, presented Rayan with the award in the dressing room—showcasing the mentorship he has embraced.
As Rayan concluded his time at Vasco, he also shared a dressing room with Matheus França, a Crystal Palace signing whose loan spell was hindered by injuries, affecting his form and confidence.
Rayan observed the potential risks and rewards of making an early move abroad. After having an outstanding season in Brazil, scoring 14 league goals, he had multiple offers but chose Bournemouth, seeing it as a launchpad for his career—a club known for player development and successful transfers.
While Rayan may not have always envisioned playing on the south coast of England, he represents a generation of players whose aspirations lie across the Atlantic. Although Vasco benefitted financially from his transfer and coach Fernando Diniz hoped to keep him, Rayan was determined to pursue his ambition, even negotiating a portion of his transfer fee to expedite the deal.
His father was a reserve center back for a successful Vasco squad in the late 1990s and later joined the youth training staff, while his mother also contributed to the club. Growing up in the surrounding areas of the Rio de Janeiro stadium, Rayan began his journey through their youth system at the age of six. A notable video captures a young Rayan meeting his idol, Roberto Dinamite, a legendary center forward from the 70s and 80s.
Destined for success in the iconic Vasco colors, Rayan stood out enough to represent Brazil at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels. Though he may have seemed less prominent as a player for Brazil’s Under-20s early last year with just one league goal, he made significant strides over the year, ultimately emerging as the breakout star of 2025 and one of the top scorers in the Brazilian league.
Throughout the start of the season, Rayan showcased his versatility, often playing on the right wing with a tendency to cut inside onto his left foot. While physically imposing, he was also quite raw, making him susceptible to scrutiny from coach Diniz. However, Rayan has significantly evolved; he has improved his right foot, allowing him to pose a dual threat to defenders.
Throughout the second half of the season, he shifted to a central forward position, enhancing his presence in the penalty area and improving his heading ability. His confidence surged, leading to an influx of goals characterized by both power and precision. These qualities have been on display at Bournemouth.
However, it’s worth noting that he is still in development. Coach Iraola has echoed Diniz’s earlier comments, emphasizing that areas like his back-to-goal game require improvement. Diniz had expressed concerns about the timing of Rayan’s transfer, stating it could be a risk, suggesting he should have stayed at Vasco for another season to enhance his preparation.
The future remains uncertain, but Rayan’s explosive beginnings in the Premier League suggest his decision was sound. However, as he gains recognition, defenses will adapt. Opponents will likely be more cautious, preventing him from easily cutting inside as he did against Villa, and they will be aware of his aerial threat after his goal against Everton.
It will be intriguing to see how Rayan meets the challenges ahead. He has made a significant impression in the Premier League; the question remains—will he maintain his momentum or face obstacles along the way?