Raphinha, recently named the first captain of FC Barcelona, arrived at training in a Mercedes-AMG G63 worth €223,000. The Brazilian winger joins a growing trend among footballers who favor high-performance luxury SUVs over their clubs’ official sponsor vehicles.
Barcelona has a partnership with Cupra, which provides each first-team player with a new model at the start of the season. Raphinha received a Cupra Tavascan VZ, a 340-horsepower electric SUV. But when he pulled up to the club’s training ground in the Mercedes, he appeared to put personal preference ahead of sponsorship obligations.
“A car is more than transport, it's a personal statement, and I choose what truly represents me,” Raphinha said.
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 has also been spotted with a Porsche 911. Marc Cucurella and Marc Pubill have opted for the Mercedes G-Class, Spanish automotive media reported.
Raphinha’s passion for cars is well documented. His collection reportedly includes a Tesla Model X and a Range Rover Sport, along with a Porsche Panamera and an Audi A7. The Mercedes-AMG G63 pairs luxury with raw power. Measuring nearly five meters in length and almost two meters in both height and width, the SUV has a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 585 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 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 G63’s appeal lies in its comfort and performance, along with its unmistakable presence. Its popularity extends beyond Barcelona’s squad: the model has become a fixture in footballers’ garages across Spain. The shift from traditional sports cars to luxury SUVs reflects changing tastes and perhaps a desire for greater practicality without sacrificing prestige.
This trend comes as car manufacturers invest heavily in electric and hybrid technology. A recent analysis of the premium SUV market noted that competition between electrified models like the DS N7 and BMW X2 is intensifying, suggesting the luxury SUV segment is developing rapidly.
Raphinha’s choice may raise questions about the influence of sponsorship deals versus personal taste among top athletes. His Mercedes-AMG G63 signals that, for some, the appeal of a powerful, iconic SUV outweighs expectations set by club partnerships.
