Raphinha, now Barcelona’s first captain, has swapped his club-issued Cupra for a high-end Mercedes-AMG G63. His choice highlights a growing fascination with luxury SUVs among Spain’s football elite, even as club sponsorships suggest otherwise.
Raphinha, recently named the first captain of FC Barcelona, has made a statement off the pitch by arriving at training in a Mercedes-AMG G63 worth €223,000. The Brazilian winger, known for his flair on the field, has now joined a visible trend among footballers who favor high-performance luxury SUVs over their clubs’ official sponsor vehicles.
His decision stands out because Barcelona maintains a partnership with Cupra, providing each first-team player with a new model at the start of the season. Raphinha himself received a Cupra Tavascan VZ, a 340-horsepower electric SUV. Yet, when he pulled up to the club’s training ground in the Mercedes, it was clear he had chosen personal preference over sponsorship obligations.
A car is more than transport — it's a personal statement, and I choose what truly represents me.
The Mercedes-AMG G63 has become a status symbol among Spain’s top footballers. Gavi, another Barcelona star and world champion, was recently seen trading his Cupra for the same model. Dani Olmo, too, has been spotted with a Porsche 911, while other players like Marc Cucurella and Marc Pubill have also opted for the Mercedes G-Class, as noted by Spanish automotive media.
Raphinha’s passion for cars is well documented. His collection reportedly includes a Tesla Model X, a Range Rover Sport, a Porsche Panamera, and an Audi A7. The Mercedes-AMG G63, however, stands out for its blend of luxury and raw power. Measuring nearly five meters in length and almost two meters in both height and width, the SUV is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 585 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h, making it as fast as many sports cars.
For many elite athletes, the appeal of the G63 lies in its combination of comfort, performance, and unmistakable presence. The model’s popularity is not limited to Barcelona’s squad; it has become a fixture in the garages of footballers across Spain. This shift from traditional sports cars to luxury SUVs reflects changing tastes and perhaps a desire for greater practicality without sacrificing prestige.
Interestingly, this trend comes at a time when car manufacturers are investing heavily in electric and hybrid technology. As highlighted in a recent analysis of the premium SUV market, the competition between electrified models like the DS N7 and BMW X2 is intensifying, suggesting that the luxury SUV segment is evolving rapidly.
Raphinha’s choice may raise questions about the influence of sponsorship deals versus personal taste among top athletes. For now, his Mercedes-AMG G63 is a clear signal that, at least for some, the allure of a powerful, iconic SUV outweighs the expectations set by club partnerships.
