Who Is Rayan? 19-Year-Old Brazilian Sensation That Has Caught The Eye Of Serie A Giants

Brazilian youngster, Rayan, is being tipped to become the ‘next Neymar Jr.’ after a strong run of performances with Vasco da Gama and a host of Serie A sides are reportedly keen on the 19-year-old.

Who Is Rayan?

Producing elite talents in soccer has been a tradition for Brazil for over 100-years, with the likes of Pele, Ronaldinho, Neymar Jr. and Ronaldo Nazario all coming from the South American nation.

Brazil have failed to live up to these expectations in recent years, as the national team continues to struggle and search for their first World Cup since 2002.

However, this fate could change in the near future and Vasco da Gama star, Rayan, is being highlighted as the next big star to carry the Brazilian torch.

The 19-year-old has cemented himself as a regular member in 2025, contributing to 18 goals in 49 appearances this season (17G + 1A) and is on track to end the campaign as one of the top scorers in Brazil.

Rayan has been on the books at Vasco da Gama for over 13-years, joining the club at just six-years-old and is said to have scored 280 goals before his 11th birthday.

After scoring 29 goals in 34 appearances for the U-17 side, Rayan made his first-team debut in January 2023 at just 16 and became one of the youngest players in club history.

The teenager has been linked with multiple sides in Europe since making his debut and was reportedly close to joining Barcelona during the recent summer transfer window.

Premier League sides have also shown heavy interest in the Vasco da Gama star, with Tottenham and Arsenal sending scouts to several games this season.

Signing promising players from outside of Europe has proven to be a huge hit in Europe, with several MLS prospects heading to Serie A and performing.

Although multiple sides are interested in the 19-year-old, Serie A teams will be positive in negotiations as Rayan’s deal in Brazil is set to expire in December 2026 and includes a release clause of €40 million.

Which Serie A Sides Should Sign Rayan?

Rayan has proven himself to be a consistent threat down the right-hand side, meaning his next move will likely be to a side that is lacking in the wide areas.

One side that has been utilizing wingers this season is Como 1907, as Cesc Fabregas continues his meteoric rise in management and makes wholesale changes to his roster.

The Italian side deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, meaning Rayan would be a seamless fit into the starting eleven and may solve Como’s current issues in front of goal.

Fabregas’ men have failed to score in three of their last four Serie A encounters, highlighting their lack of spark in the attacking area of the pitch.

Interestingly, Como recently hired a first-team scout through Twitter in Ben Mattinson, who is renowned for analysing youngsters from across the globe.

Como spent over €100m during the summer transfer window, meaning the Italian side will not be deterred by Rayan’s €40m release clause.

Another possibility for Rayan could be a move to Serie A champions, Napoli, as Antonio Conte’s side are in desperate need of some fresh ideas up front.

Conte was renowned for utilizing a three-at-the-back system before his move to Napoli, but the Italian has switched to a traditional 4-3-3 which has seen the likes of Scott McTominay jump to new levels.

Rayan would be a much-needed addition to Napoli’s front-line after Kevin De Bruyne’s recent injury and would be fighting for a starting position instantly.

If Napoli decide to look elsewhere in the January window, then Rayan could consider a move to the San Siro and become the latest Brazilian to join AC Milan.

The Rossoneri have played host to some of the best players in Brazil’s history, with the likes of Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario becoming legends in the red and black jersey.

Both Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are living proof of how successful wingers can be in Milan, which could be a key selling point to Rayan going forward.