Richarlison

Richarlison de Andrade is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Tottenham Hotspur and the Brazil national team. Known for his flamboyant style, acrobatic goals, and emotional intensity, he has become one of the most recognizable Brazilian players of his generation. As of 2026, he has scored over 50 Premier League goals and earned more than 50 caps for Brazil.

His trophy cabinet includes a Copa América title in 2019 and an Olympic gold medal in 2020. At the 2022 World Cup, his scissor-kick goal against Serbia was voted the Goal of the Tournament, a moment that showcased his technical brilliance. Richarlison's journey from selling ice cream on the streets to leading the line for a top Premier League club has made him a symbol of perseverance.[edit]

Richarlison grew up in Nova Venécia, a small town in the rural interior of Espírito Santo. His father, Antônio, was a bricklayer, and his mother, Dona Inês, stayed home to raise the children. Money was tight. As a child, Richarlison helped his father sell ice cream and scrap metal to make ends meet. He played barefoot on dirt streets, often told he was too small and skinny to become a professional.

At 14, he failed a trial at Flamengo. At 15, Cruzeiro turned him away. Botafogo also said no. Desperate, he moved to Belo Horizonte at 16 to live with his cousin, working as a street vendor while training with amateur side Real Noroeste. His mother wanted him to stay in school, but his father backed his dream. A strong showing in a local tournament finally earned him a trial at América Mineiro, a Série B club. He joined their youth system in 2014, and a year later, he made his professional debut.[edit]

Richarlison made an immediate impact at América Mineiro, scoring 9 goals in 24 league appearances to help the club win the Série B title in 2015. That earned him a move to Fluminense, where he scored 19 goals in 67 appearances over two seasons. In 2017, he joined Watford for £11.2 million, but his time there was inconsistent. A year later, Everton paid a club-record £40 million to bring him to Goodison Park.

At Everton, he flourished. He scored 13 goals in his first season and became a fan favorite for his relentless work rate and spectacular finishes. He made his Brazil debut in 2018 and was part of the squad that won the 2019 Copa América. In 2020, he scored twice in the Olympic final to secure gold for Brazil. In 2022, Tottenham Hotspur signed him for £60 million. That same year, his scissor-kick goal against Serbia at the World Cup was named Goal of the Tournament. He has since dealt with injuries and form dips but remains a key player for club and country.[edit]

Richarlison is known for his flamboyant hairstyles, often dyed blonde or with streaks, and his expressive goal celebrations, including the pigeon dance. He is a passionate and emotional player, sometimes crying after goals or during interviews. The media portrays him as a charismatic but occasionally controversial figure. Brazilian fans affectionately call him Pombo. On social media, he mixes Portuguese and English, posting about family, faith, and football. His Instagram following exceeds 17 million.[edit]

A scissor-kick goal against Serbia in 2022 turned a street vendor into a global icon, cementing his status as one of Brazil's most recognizable sons. His flamboyant celebrations and emotional intensity have fueled a massive following that spans continents. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Richarlison is currently the 54th most famous person in Brazil, a position he holds steady from the previous cycle. This dominance extends beyond borders; he ranks as the 34th most famous person from Brazil in the world, reflecting a career built on acrobatic brilliance and raw passion. The rankings capture attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, placing him firmly among the elite of his generation. Despite speculation about his future at Tottenham Hotspur, his cultural footprint remains unshaken. Fans affectionately call him Pombo, a nickname born from his childhood physique, yet no formal organization or specific name defines this vast community. Instead, his audience rallies through social media platforms where he shares glimpses of his faith and family. With over 17 million followers on Instagram, his digital presence acts as the primary hub for interaction, mixing Portuguese and English to connect with supporters globally. While some clubs court him with high price tags, the adoration from his fanbase remains constant, driven by moments like his late winner against Chelsea in Sydney that secured bragging rights for ten-man Spurs. He is not just a player but a symbol of resilience, moving from selling ice cream to commanding stadiums.[edit]

Richarlison's journey began far from the spotlight. Before becoming a football star, he worked as a street vendor selling ice cream and scrap metal to support his family. His childhood nickname was Pombo, meaning Pigeon, earned because of his skinny legs and large chest. A practicing Christian, he often credits God for his success and displays a lion tattoo on his chest to symbolize his fighting spirit. He loves Brazilian funk music and frequently incorporates dance moves into his goal celebrations. In recent years, iconic moments have added to his legacy. During the pre-season Sydney Super Cup, he scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 2-1 victory for ten-man Tottenham Hotspur against Chelsea, delivering cup glory and bragging rights. Manager Roberto De Zerbi praised him as a lovely guy following the win, though reports noted Richarlison sometimes expresses a desire to leave the club. Another significant chapter involves his exclusion from the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, a decision some analysts view as a hidden blessing for his club career.[edit]

Richarlison's father, Antônio, was a bricklayer, and his mother, Dona Inês, was a homemaker. He has two sisters and a brother. He is close to his family and frequently posts about them on social media. As of 2026, he is not married and has no children. He owns a home in São Paulo and a property in London.[edit]

Richarlison was managed by Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, who praised his work rate. He is close friends with Neymar on the national team. Antonio Conte signed him at Tottenham.[edit]

Richarlison's first known relationship was with Brazilian model Laryssa Bastos, dating from 2016 to 2018. He was then briefly linked to model Renata Ferreira in 2019–2020. From 2021 to 2022, he dated Amanda Araújo, a Brazilian model and entrepreneur; the split was reportedly due to his demanding football career. As of 2026, Richarlison is single with no public romantic partner.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Richarlison's net worth in 2026 stands at $33 Million. His primary income stems from his weekly salary of £90,000 at Tottenham Hotspur, totaling around $4.7 million per year. Endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports, and various Brazilian brands contribute an estimated $1–2 million annually. His cumulative transfer fees exceed £110 million, though he personally does not receive those sums directly. Beyond his earnings, he owns real estate in both São Paulo and London.[edit]

Richarlison has won the Copa América (2019) and an Olympic gold medal (2020) with Brazil. He was named to the Campeonato Carioca Team of the Season in 2017 and won the Samba Gold Award in 2022. His scissor-kick goal at the 2022 World Cup was voted Goal of the Tournament. He also won the Premier League Goal of the Month in November 2022.[edit]