Exclusive: Barcelona Star Raphinha Is the New Face (and Abs) of Calvin Klein Underwear

Raphinha shouted out everyone at CK for making him feel comfortable wearing nothing but his skivvies, saying the “vibe on set was super cool.” Joining the likes of Bad Bunny, Jung Kook, and Jeremy Allen White as one of the faces of such a beloved brand, stripping down for Calvin Klein was a full-circle moment for the player, who had celebrity aspirations as a kid growing up in Porto Alegre.

“I remember when I was young seeing the iconic campaigns with football stars and celebrities and just dreamed of one day being part of this universe,” he said. Now boasting 18 million Instagram followers, he’s certainly in the same universe as the soccer wizards he watched during his youth. But to truly ascend to the level of Pele, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho, it’s obvious what Raphinha and his Brazilian side must do at the upcoming World Cup: win the whole thing. Currently ranked fifth in the world, the Seleção are among the favorites, along with South American neighbors and 2022 champions Argentina, as well as European stalwarts Spain, France, and England. For everyone donning Brazil’s unmistakable yellow shirt, the stakes this summer are extremely clear.

“Playing a World Cup for Brazil is the peak for a Brazilian player,” Raphinha explained. “We are heading to America very confident. We know it is a short tournament where every detail counts. I’ve learned and got lots of experience from my past World Cup and I’ll use this to share and help younger players. We are going to America on a mission.”

Asked for his opinion about the world’s biggest sports tournament hitting American soil—Brazil’s pool play games will take them to New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Miami—he is anticipating a Miley Cyrus-esque party in the USA.

“People in the USA love soccer,” Raphinha said, noting that he’s played several exhibition games in the States. “This summer, we will have fun together.”