Is Brazilian Rayan Vitor Europe’s next big thing?

   The CIES Football Observatory has turned the spotlight on Vasco da Gama striker Rayan Vitor in the latest edition of its Prospect Sheet, produced in partnership with data specialists Impect.

Rayan, who has been with Vasco since the age of six, is already in his third senior season despite only turning 19 this year. He has scored nine goals in all competitions in 2025, underlining his rapid progress at professional level and teasing a call up to the Brazil national team should his impressive form continue.

Left-footed, quick and physically strong, the 1.85m forward is most often deployed as a right winger but is comfortable across the attack. While he has earned attention for his finishing, CIES notes his wider influence in chance creation and aerial duels so familiar with Brazilian attackers.

The CIES statistical model currently values him between €19.6 million and €25.3 million, depending on the resources of the buying club. With his contract running until the end of 2026, that figure could rise significantly with an extension. Without one, CIES warns his value will decline even if performances continue to impress.

The potential of picking up the talent on a free transfer is sure to draw interest from some of Europe’s big-hitters – though it’s likely the player will opt to extend with his boyhood club.

The profile makes Rayan the fourth player featured in the Prospect Sheet series, which tracks emerging talents across world football – though he is the first entry from outside of Europe.

Already covered are top talents such as Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, Porto’s Rodrigo Mora and Spurs’ Luka Vuskovic.