Brazilian football agent Rafaela Pimenta slams player arrogance and highlights her global influence

Rafaela Pimenta, a 53‑year‑old Brazilian lawyer, is the agent who manages Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and other top‑level footballers. In interviews following Brazil’s 2‑1 loss to Norway in the 2026 World Cup, she criticised many Brazilian players arriving in Europe with an attitude she described as "thinking they are the last biscuit in the pack" and warned that such arrogance discourages European clubs from signing them.

Pimenta also condemned Brazilian clubs for treating their athletes as "rare gems" and called for a stronger focus on transparent youth development programmes. She has long advocated prioritising home‑grown talent over importing foreign players.

Beyond her comments on Brazil, Pimenta has risen to prominence in the global football market. After a two‑decade partnership with the late super‑agent Mino Raiola, she took full control of the Monaco‑based agency Tatica. In 2026 she was named to Forbes’ “50 Over 50” list, becoming one of the few women to reach the elite tier of football agents. She has spoken publicly about facing discrimination in the male‑dominated industry and now serves as a non‑executive director of Women in Football, working to professionalise the women’s game.

Her remarks and career trajectory have sparked debate about the culture of Brazilian football and the evolving business of player representation worldwide.