Who Is Rafaela Pimenta, the successor to Mino Raiola’s throne?

Mino Raiola was a titan in the world of football. Apart from his star-studded list of clients, Raiola was always there. Bickering with managers, spoke his mind unfiltered, and always looked out for his players.

That was the Raiola way. Therefore, his death was a profound event, and no one could be like him. After his passing, the reins are now in the hands of Rafaela Pimenta.

Though the name is new for fans, the Brazilian has been by Raiola’s over the past many years. So, who is Rafaela Pimenta and how did she become the successor to Mino Raiola?

Who is Rafaela Pimenta?

Rafaela Pimenta is a Brazilian lawyer who served as Mino Raiola’s right-hand man for the past 18 years. She has studied law at the University of Sao Paulo, before serving in the government’s antitrust division under president former Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

However, it would be football that would draw Pimenta and Raiola together. In 1998, Rafaela Pimenta helped in setting up a Sao Paulo club called Guaratinguetà, alongside Brazilian legends Rivaldo and Cesar Sampaio. During its launch event, there was Raiola was among the guests who flew down from Europe.

The pair struck up an instant rapport, with Raiola inviting Pimenta to come work with him. Consequently, she moved to Monaco, where the super-agent’s One agency is based. The fact that Raiola allowed Pimenta to join the Monaco office spoke of the mutual trust they shared.

The other employees are extremely close with Raiola, which includes his cousin Vincenzo, who mostly deals with the Italian players. Pimenta would slowly learn the craft over the years, eventually becoming the power behind negotiations and deals for the clients.

Therefore, it is no surprise that she has been described as the “the toughest negotiator in football.” Very few people know of her, but that image was to change with the airing of a documentary series.

The successor to Mino Raiola

The release of Pogmentary was met with mixed reviews, as viewers got a major glimpse inside the life of Paul Pogba. Rafaela Pimenta was one of the major figures in the series, as the future of Pogba dominated conversations.

Pimenta and Raiola discussed the star’s first departure to Juventus in 2012, and the subsequent return. Pogba is evidently very close with Pimenta, with his children calling her “Auntie Rafa.” This was the first time that Pimenta had been in the limelight in such a global manner.

Moreover, Pimenta was also offered shares of One, and…