Promising 19-year-old Brazilian forward Rayan has made an impressive start at AFC Bournemouth … showcasing his ability to outpace and outjump defenders.
After transferring from Vasco da Gama to the Premier League in late January, he was quickly integrated into the squad. He promptly demonstrated why Bournemouth invested €35 million in him, as he emerged as a standout performer in last year’s Brazilian league.
Coming off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he outmaneuvered Brazil international midfielder João Gomes and assisted Alex Scott for a goal. Instantly deemed deserving of a starting role by Andoni Iraola, he marked his home debut with a remarkable solo goal that earned a point against Aston Villa, cutting in from the right onto his preferred left foot and placing a shot inside the near post.
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The match against Everton did not begin favorably for Rayan, as he was penalized for a mistake while attempting to play from the back. However, he quickly redeemed himself by scoring a powerful header at the far post, helping Bournemouth secure a 2-1 victory.
While some South American players may require time to adjust to the Premier League, Rayan has made a notable impact in each of his first three matches, surpassing initial expectations, possibly even his own. It appears evident that Rayan is considering the long-term. He has done his homework. At Vasco, he benefited from the guidance of former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who provided valuable insights.
Additionally, he spent time with former West Ham United favorite Dimitri Payet. A memorable moment in 2024 occurred when Payet received the player of the match award for a game against Bahia and made a point of giving it to Rayan in the dressing room. He has clearly gained knowledge from these players regarding the development of his career.
In the final months at Vasco, he also shared the dressing room with Matheus França, a Crystal Palace signing who faced injury challenges and seems to have lost form, confidence, and momentum during his loan at Vasco.
Rayan has recognized that there are both risks and rewards associated with making an early move. After an outstanding year in Brazil, where he scored 14 league goals, he had numerous offers, but he made a thoughtful decision regarding his next destination, considering Bournemouth to be an excellent platform, a well-managed club known for nurturing players and facilitating their transfers. Thus, Bournemouth is where he has chosen to embark on his European journey.
It seems reasonable to assume that Rayan did not grow up with a strong desire to play on the southern coast of England, but it is also clear that he is part of a generation that has aspired to succeed across the Atlantic. He could have remained in Brazil longer, as Vasco’s financial circumstances made the transfer fee quite beneficial, and it is evident that coach Fernando Diniz would have preferred to keep him for at least a few more months. The team has struggled significantly for goals in his absence, but Rayan even negotiated a portion of his transfer fee to expedite the deal. He was resolute in his decision to leave, despite being closely associated with Vasco.
Rayan’s father was a reserve center back in a highly successful Vasco team at the end of the last century and later joined the youth coaching staff, while his mother also worked at the club. Rayan grew up in the compact streets surrounding the club’s stadium in Rio de Janeiro’s working-class north zone and progressed through the youth ranks from the age of six. A now-famous video captures a young Rayan meeting Roberto Dinamite, a center forward from the 1970s and ’80s who is regarded as the club’s greatest idol.
He appeared destined for success in the white shirt with the black sash, standing out enough to represent Brazil at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels. He showed promise, but little more when he played for Brazil’s Under-20s at the beginning of last year.
At that time, he had only one league goal to his name, and it was difficult to envision him as the breakout star of 2025 and one of the top scorers in the Brazilian league. However, that is precisely what transpired, as Rayan made significant strides throughout the year.
He continued to enhance his game. At the season’s outset, he was positioned on the right wing, primarily looking to cut onto his natural left foot. He was a formidable physical presence, but still quite raw, and running the touchline made him an easy target for coach Diniz’s criticisms. Yet, Rayan has already evolved into a very different player. His right foot has improved, allowing him to go in either direction, creating uncertainty for defenders.
He has learned to combine, to give and go, and spent much of the latter half of the season playing as a center forward. His increased presence in the penalty area has also enhanced his heading ability. Goals began to come in abundance, and with his confidence rising, he was shooting with both power and accuracy. All of these qualities have already been evident at Bournemouth.
Of course, he is by no means a finished product. New coach Iraola has emphasized this point, reflecting the views of Vasco’s Diniz. His back-to-goal game certainly requires improvement. Diniz remarked that he “did everything I could for Rayan to stay.”
“I think he’s taking a risk by leaving now,” he stated at the time of the transfer. “It could turn out well, but I’m convinced that the best decision for Rayan would have been to remain here for another season and make the move when he’s better prepared.”
Time will reveal the outcome, although Rayan’s explosive start in the Premier League seems to validate his choice. However, the unknown sensation will quickly become known. Future opponents will conduct their research. Defenders are unlikely to allow him to cut inside as easily as he did against Villa. Aware of his aerial threat from the goal at Everton, teams will likely make it more challenging for him to have a clear run at the far post.
It will be intriguing to see if Rayan can continue to meet the challenge. He has entered the Premier League like a runaway train. Will he be derailed, or can he maintain his momentum?
