He Scored 91 Goals in 44 Matches
Рет қаралды 252,909
Жыл бұрынThe Solomon Islands is not known as a traditional footballing hotbed, it’s really not thought about at all in a footballing sense. But, over the last few years, a great hope has emerged in the Solomon Islands league that has put up truly outrageous performances that absolutely boggle the mind. So much so, that Europe has come calling.
Raphael Lea’i has become the Messi of the Solomon Islands, a diminutive winger who has taken over the domestic league at an alarmingly young age. He has shown himself more than up to international competition, including European opposition, so can he really be the first great Pacific footballer? This is his story… so far.
Much Love,
The Zealand
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Sources:
FIFA ► www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/arti...
SOLOMON TIMES ► www.solomontimes.com/news/lea...
www.solomontimes.com/news/rap...
WIKIPEDIA ► en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telekom...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_OF...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_OF...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Su...
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Zealand Playing:
TWITCH ► / zeaiand
KZfaq ► / @zealandlive
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Podcasts:
20 good minutes ► open.spotify.com/show/5Qf5sSN...
The Zealand Podcast ► open.spotify.com/show/65eNWIP...
Armchair History ► open.spotify.com/show/2QCd3Ti...
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Zealand Stuff:
MY FM SKIN ► zealand.gg/fmskin
INSTAGRAM ► / theoldzealand
TWITTER ► / theoldzealand
DISCORD ► / discord
REDDIT ► / theoldzealand
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Check out Editor Ayal on:
TWITCH ► / ayal
TWITTER ► / iamayal
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Check out the Animator Tomleggosaurus on:
KZfaq ► / @tomleggosaurus1
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Thanks for watching and scrolling!
#Football #Soccer #Hashtags
@trislman9309 Жыл бұрын
Who needs Rafael Leao, if you have Rafael Le'ai
@Guevon_Pajaro Жыл бұрын
hilarious too, because when I googled early in the video, I searched wrong and found the 24 yo. found the real guy later and it only made to make be feel even MORE like a grandpa
@bas8792 Жыл бұрын
i knew this joke is coming
@pauloa.7609 Жыл бұрын
Leão*
@tai08 Жыл бұрын
Hambuhuh
@JimTheFly Жыл бұрын
Now we just wait for the world phenom Rafael Leae, and then the greatest player ever to live: Rafael Lea'a.
@thargoff Жыл бұрын
Oh yes, Raphael Lea'i our favourite Solomonessi!
@emmadestcroix9079 Жыл бұрын
Heard of him
@NanobanaKinako Жыл бұрын
I bet he will make Manchester United great again
@Concorde. Жыл бұрын
As a Velež supporter and season ticket holder myself I knew immediately this video was about Lea'i. Us fans are fairly excited for this lad, he seems to be someone to keep an eye on and especially considering he was essentially averaging 2-3 goals a match in the Solomon Islands, it's very rare we see that level of prospect in Bosnia, let alone Mostar, exciting times ahead for us.
@dimi5881 Жыл бұрын
Yeah i used him in Football Manager he was an absolute beast for my club,i was shocked when i saw he plays in Bosnia,pozdrav brate iz Srbije.
@yahiryabb Жыл бұрын
off topic but that’s a massive W of a pfp
@eviljared11 Жыл бұрын
Does he already Play for your club? I saw footage of one friendly Match for your side but no further information on him after this. Has he a fair chance to be a starter for Mostar?
@sonik8723 Жыл бұрын
zašto nije odigro nijednu ligašku?
@alijaljevo Жыл бұрын
@@eviljared11 he wasn't registered until today. He should be allowed to play tomorrow.
@harryfamm Жыл бұрын
Played against this guy at futsal nationals in New Zealand, he was a joke. Scored like 5 goals a game, was doing backflips as celebrations, and averaged about 3 rainbow flicks a game it was crazy
@nzeditz5812 Жыл бұрын
Ok cool
@smoothbun Жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure u meant to say he's no joke
@nuklearxx9907 Жыл бұрын
@@smoothbun when you say joke, you mean he's so good he's laughable, similar to saying he's a cheatcode
@smoothbun Жыл бұрын
@@nuklearxx9907 mb
@JayHwlr Жыл бұрын
All I want in life is for someone to love me as much as Zealand loves Raphael Lea'i.
@Weirzy Жыл бұрын
Have been extremely fortunate to be able to coach futsal in the Solomon Islands in the past few years and their love for the game (football included) is unmatched! Raphael was part of the squad and is just as a beast in futsal as he is in football. I expect many more to follow in his footsteps in the not too distant future.
@nzeditz5812 Жыл бұрын
Cool
@semnome9592 Жыл бұрын
Cool
@JTB_FM Жыл бұрын
Ah the long awaited video about Raphael lea'i. Thank you zep
@kiribatiforlife8193 Жыл бұрын
Ever since I saw him a year ago I realized what a player this is, I was so happy when he recieved a contract in Europe. He is yet to make his professional debut cause there are still some papers the club need to recieve from the Solomon Islands but from saturday next week (25 march) he will be able to play, which means after the international break! Edit: Aparently I think it was this saturday so he probly could play tommorow!
@falagarius Жыл бұрын
I sold a Kiribati wonderkid for 70 million in my save!
@kiribatiforlife8193 Жыл бұрын
@@falagarius 😂😂😂 nice
@nzeditz5812 Жыл бұрын
Yep
@kieranvehe9279 11 ай бұрын
I played with Raphael's little brother and he is good like his big brother Raphael, he passed 4 defenders and I'm like wow he's good and his age is just 12 years old I became friends with Raphael's little brother and his a good friend. I just want to say that Raphael lea'i shows us that don't give up on your dream and his dream come true wow My dream is to play beside Raphael for the Solomon islands 🇸🇧 national team and to play in the world cup I now it's a big dream but I hope it will happen one day. I'm proud to be a Solomon islander 🇸🇧🇸🇧
@gumpastee Жыл бұрын
Known him since he scored 34 goals in OFC Futsal Tournament in 2017. He was unbelievable, and I've always followed him since. Delighted for him and his family.
@nzeditz5812 Жыл бұрын
Same
@utkuceylan5405 Жыл бұрын
Seeing Alanyaspor being interested in Lea'i is not suprising tbh. They have one of the most underrated scouting departments in Turkey. It would be so good to watch him here. Good luck in the future Lea'i
@malikhusic4658 Жыл бұрын
He is already in Bosnian league
@nzeditz5812 Жыл бұрын
@@malikhusic4658 yes
@divestapoza8168 Жыл бұрын
As a fellow country man,I'm so proud for this lad,couldn't thank you enough for your comments acknowledging this kids talent.He is our legend all the best of luck into his career.
@alexandremarques8550 Жыл бұрын
Brooo, Raphael Le'ai made is debut today at Velez Mostar. Played the last 10 minutes! 💪🏻💪🏻
@eddypkk Жыл бұрын
bro im watching this video thinking 'wow this is cool' only to notice that ITS RAFA?? played against him at futsal nationals in wellington a few years ago. im a goalkeeper and he was TERRIFYING. so much power comes off that left foot and he was simply unplayable.
@generalpotato6124 Жыл бұрын
Im so happy for him i hope he becomes a great player in europe, he has the potential
@Milak96 Жыл бұрын
Looking foward to watch him play in my town Mostar.I hope he will be good in Velez. And he said that he wants to play in Premir league and Velez is playing in Bosnian Premier league,so be more detailed when comes to your wishes...
@farhanatashiga3721 3 ай бұрын
Oh come on now when the words premier league is said when it comes to football it could only be refering to one league, the Barclays English Premier League.
@kieronparr3403 Жыл бұрын
Been killing it in Northern ireland for me from bottom to top. In champions league group now
@Pete_Mathew_Miocic Жыл бұрын
Champions are Zrinjski Mostar Croatian club, he is in Velež Mostar (Bosnian)
@klampz914 Жыл бұрын
@@Pete_Mathew_MiocicZrinjski nije Hrvatski klub...
@theqaz1828 Жыл бұрын
it's funny to think all these big clubs (including Barcelona) in Europe getting transfer bans for signing players under 18 because it's suggested the players will be exploited if they move too young. Yet here we have a footballer that by "virtue" of being born in Oceania has missed out on several years of coaching and development that he would have gotten if he'd say been born in England, France or Spain.
@Eibarwoman Жыл бұрын
Sheesh, even the US or Japan might have developed him greatly although if he was born in the states, he'd also be hyped like Adu.
@arifb222 Жыл бұрын
I just hope that despite his late arrival on the European stage, Raphael will be able to shine not so far in the future and not drop his work ethic.
@billyaugust Жыл бұрын
This was a really great video. I don't comment a whole lot, but Zealand has a great sense for storytelling and knows how to deliver a compelling, emotional story. I'd love to see more of this type of content - fast-paced, compact football storytelling with a human interest punch. Makes me excited about future content that's not (directly) related to FM. Well done, Z.
@dashbaumann5864 Жыл бұрын
heard of this guy a while ago and have been following him for a couple of years but its great to see a really detailed video about his career so far because it is just amazing what he has accomplished in such a short space of time. great vid Z
@Lamian001 Жыл бұрын
As of yesterday Rapha finally has official chance to play in Velez. So he can even be in team for tommorow's game where Velez plays home vs Sloboda Tuzla. So we are so eager to see him dominate.
@mattjames6349 Жыл бұрын
I bet he's more than match fit and ready to go!
@OddlySpecificGaming Жыл бұрын
TomFM got his hands on the real life editor “I made a perfect striker and put him at the worst team”
@wagfinpis Жыл бұрын
Got me feeling like I've been rooting for this kid for years now! lol Best of luck to Raphael Lea'i! Thanks for the story!
@user-ci1xy4gx7b 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Zealand for the Video. Hope to see Rafa continue his carrier in Europe. The kid is so talented.
@AkshaySingh-ef6wz Жыл бұрын
OMG YES THANK YOU FOR SOME OFC CONTENT ESPECIALLY RAPHAEL
@caskokx1377 Жыл бұрын
I've been following leai for like 2 years now, sick to finally see him get the attention he deserves
@Jake-eh9sg Жыл бұрын
Such a great talent, been following him for a while hope his career turns out for the best
@curlymcdom Жыл бұрын
Zealand I'm loving this direction for your channel, keep these stories coming! Also the Zep Guardiola look genuinely suites you
@F10RD Жыл бұрын
That is so great for me, because I've started a career at the start of FM23 (with my hometown Jagiellonia) and he was my first signing, somehow on free agent, despite not having a really high potential, struggled to play for me, got few goals and assists, I've sold him to Cracovia and ever since he's coming back to haunt my club (he's the only player able to score in every game against us). It's always great to see FM great players succeed on the real pitch ☺️
@jordanagostino133 Жыл бұрын
I love him I’m so happy you’re finally talking about it.
@AlexM-vm3lk Жыл бұрын
Zealand (and team!), thank you for these excellent videos!
@rassivoro9416 Жыл бұрын
Bro this is so sick! I was just watching your fm videos and now you feature a player from my country! So proud of Rafa
@poshpanda__ Жыл бұрын
My mum was born in the Solomons and our family friend is president of the national federation lol so I've been watching him and it's so awesome to see him make to Europe. Solomons are really gonna push for qualification this year and I think there's no one more suited to lead the frontline in the next cycle :D let's go Solo!
@malikhusic4658 Жыл бұрын
He is already in Europe
@matthellmann4212 Жыл бұрын
I actually love the direction your content has taken recently. Keep informing me of soccer things!
@alexfarrah Жыл бұрын
From watching this guy play for the first time in 2018 I knew he was destined for big things
@marcelovictorpaucaravilca3207 Жыл бұрын
Hola ,soy un hincha fanático del futbol en Oceanía la región más olvidada de la FIFA y me da gusto que aparezca un jugador como este lo seguí desde aquel partido en el que golearon 5-0 a Nueva Zelanda en el torneo u16 de Oceanía te agradezco por la información y el gran video de este jugador un gran saludo desde Perú
@dontuakana7788 Жыл бұрын
Man that stats just shows how good this kid is and how we need as a Pacific nation need to up our game if we want to compete against the worlds best. And getting our island boys to Europe...
@westongrant1702 Жыл бұрын
Glad to see you finally got that Soloman islands jersey
@generalpotato6124 Жыл бұрын
Hello bro you know how i can buy a shirt of solomon islands?
@calamorta Жыл бұрын
Players with a futsal background are meant to become great dribblers. Ronaldinho and Neymar are two great examples. And this guy also scores. Let's hope he's decent.
@JimmethMM Жыл бұрын
There's a Solomon Islands player on the FIFA WC 2014 game who was always a beast. I hope the Solomons can break through and qualify for a world cup or something, people need to see the passion for football in Oceania
@JustK4Y1512 11 ай бұрын
Because of the expansion in 2026, there’s now a guaranteed spot for the OFC + an playoff spot. So it will become a lot easier for them now!!!
@farhanatashiga3721 3 ай бұрын
@@JustK4Y1512let's face it here that spot is still New Zealand's to lose, the rest of the ofc is still miles off of them even with how more of them are getting properly scouted and develop abroad in recent years.
@milesmcal Жыл бұрын
Bro after knowing Raphael for so long I can’t believe you posted this and I’m so happy. I even bought his Solomon Islands Jersey. He is really talented and is here to put Oceania on the map!
@generalpotato6124 Жыл бұрын
Hey man do you know how I can buy a solomon islands shirt?
@xa1239 Жыл бұрын
Bro why couldn't he play for the brisbane team when austrailia is literally part of oceania?
@generalpotato6124 Жыл бұрын
@@xa1239 yeah man i dont know why
@milesmcal Жыл бұрын
@@xa1239 He could but he didn’t go at the time because he didn’t want to leave his family then and there is some visa passport complications.
@xa1239 Жыл бұрын
@Miles Nahh I researched it after the comment and I don't think he could because austrailia left the Oceania football federation and joined the Asian football federation. Hence, he couldn't join an austrailian club till he was 18 I think.
@neilharris7105 Жыл бұрын
Imagine if Raphael Lea'i gets to play against Rafael Leao in the future (or maybe they play in the same team idk!).
@pauloa.7609 Жыл бұрын
Leão
@oriohazuki1393 Жыл бұрын
I used to play with him back in the day, this guy is a monster… very polite guy, but in the pitch this guy is a criminal… nice to see him being recognised. One time we were playing against married man of a local town, he was 9 years old, he scored 11 goals and 18 nutmeg’s
@AndrewWhitsed Жыл бұрын
Interesting his time in NZ, as he was under 18 he couldn't play for the Phoenix so only could play for Scotts College (probably the most expensive private school in Wellington for boys) and was expected to come back and complete his schooling (possibly once 18 join Phoenix officially) but just never told them he wasn't coming back and just didn't turn up.
@smiis3149 Жыл бұрын
Yeah, that was insane at the time. Flights paid for and everything. Apparently he had an inexperienced agent who was more familiar with other sports, giving him horrific advice
@juevie787 11 ай бұрын
He made a great decision not to go back to New Zealand Co
@NanobanaKinako Жыл бұрын
This boy is a hidden goat, give him a ballon d'or and sign him in Man United.
@Rainstorm121 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for promoting Rafa, and football on the Islands, brother. Respect ❤
@bbcradio7180 Жыл бұрын
Here after Lea'i netting his (and solomon island's) first ever goal in europe
@BobSmith-ql7fb Жыл бұрын
Pretty rare to be able look at a player at 19 and say even if they never score again, they’d still be a legend, but when you consider how improbable this kids journey has been already, I think that’s fair to say. Literally putting his country on the map for a lot of people with each success.
@raibautista Жыл бұрын
The bosnian club signed him as a hot prospect that is future cash for them if they develop him the right way.
@jahgol Жыл бұрын
Love these stories. Football is the world's game
@CH33KYiZninj4 Жыл бұрын
my mates a fustal coach in NZ, hes been banging on about this lad for years. shame he couldnt play for the phoenix for a couple years and grow in the a-league before heading to europe.
@Ahmetyavas34 26 күн бұрын
He was even a wonderkid on world soccer champs before he got removed
@zioreturnsgaming Жыл бұрын
he's the wonderkid of the whole OFC
@CiRdy34 Жыл бұрын
Fr
@smiis3149 Жыл бұрын
as great as Lea’i is, New Zealand have many better prospects. Lea’i is likely the best ever prospect from the Pacific Islands though alongside David Browne
@zioreturnsgaming Жыл бұрын
@@smiis3149 browne is a great player i feel leai has higher potential then browne though and i feel newzealand may be ofc but it was origanlly an AFC nation it just moved to the OFC when the OFC was founded
@kyle1493 3 ай бұрын
@zioreturnsgaming u still think that
@zioreturnsgaming 3 ай бұрын
@@kyle1493 yeah leai potenial is still higher then brownes its just a question if he will reach it or not as potential doesn't mean he will reach it and i stand by the nz statement as they were originally an afc nation and moved to ofc when the ofc was founded
@oklo0315 Жыл бұрын
God Bless him...good luck pon him🙏
@Finefinish323 Жыл бұрын
I love videos like this!! True soccer fan creating interesting videos!
@jickmargerison Жыл бұрын
Great video dude!
@vincenttumber8203 Жыл бұрын
The Soloman Messi himself
@sirshanky Жыл бұрын
Bald Zealand hits different
@peppitachips1764 Жыл бұрын
I been watching him for awhile I really believe we are looking at the future of this sport
@kyufuyuvbvbllymjnncuhuhbuh7538 Жыл бұрын
The Raphael leao of the Solomon Islands
@ItsEsteban17 Жыл бұрын
I’m cheering for him!
@alijaljevo Жыл бұрын
He was finally registered for my club, Velež Mostar, today and is finally eligible to play, starting tomorrow.
@tromakid843 Жыл бұрын
Le'ai subbed on 61 mins got his first assist for Velez Mostar today 20 mins later, setting up Haskic. Could see him in Europa Conference League next season if he stays.
@RAStafariBRA Жыл бұрын
He score a goal in Bosnian Premier League in last friday
@nbeliebt8126 Жыл бұрын
Next FM, everyone is going to buy this lad.
@danieloneal598 Жыл бұрын
He ended my hopes of ticking off the Oceania CL in my first season doing the hexagon challenge. Keep trying to sign him at my second club (North Wellington) but he won’t until i quality for the OFCCL
@liamferrier829 Жыл бұрын
I had to keep against him when I was at school in football and futsal when he was at Scots College. Was a long day
@breconcameron732 Жыл бұрын
You kinda missed some of the details about when he played in New Zealand, the scholarship was paid for by the Phoenix and he was training in there academy too. He was also expected to come back the year after, it was all paid for and organised but he never showed up for the flight and no one knew why
@samtilly7165 Жыл бұрын
Just came to back this video because I started a save with Braga and have loaned Lea'i in with an optional 300k future fee - 4* potential so hopefully he impresses for me!
@mattiap2360 Жыл бұрын
I'm actually training Solomon Islands in FM22. It's 2035 and he is still the best player in all the country!
@ZkL92 Жыл бұрын
2- 3 years ago was hoping he would come to MLS didnt think he would be given a shot at any top top league right off the island
@marcinems Жыл бұрын
Fuuucking hell what a legend 😃 fingers crossed for him
@minisam1988 Жыл бұрын
WHAT A STORY! I hope to god he can achieve all his goals at the same rate hes banging them in. After this i need to see some highlights of this Solomon Isles Haaland.
@meowbauh Жыл бұрын
yeah been following him since his birth, great guy
@pointlessproductions13 Жыл бұрын
Just scored against my national team Malaysia, just mad for the Solomon islands
@kerkireos Жыл бұрын
Damn, i missed some of your last video and the new haircut hit me hard...
@catz8449 Жыл бұрын
Oh my god this guys was born literally 5 days before me, and he's already scored nearly 100 pro goals. I feel old
@masonpinheiro9787 Жыл бұрын
Such a good video! Reminded me of Chan Vathanaka from Cambodia
@elmatadora192 Жыл бұрын
I used to play against him in futsal tournaments in New Zealand managed to keep a clean sheet against him but holy fuck he was insane
@Damian_1989 Жыл бұрын
Oh yeah i remember when he was doing a trial for an argentine team here in 2018
@christiancondado3320 Жыл бұрын
zealand i love you
@thefridge3831 Жыл бұрын
Hey @zealand I have mates who played w Rafa at Scots College and against him who said he was just a level above even at that age. Signed him for my Phoenix FM save (first ever) and was my first absolute bankroll sale. Can't wait for Oceania to get a instant qualification (obviously from NZ) but there is genuinely some of the best athletes in the world in the Pacific Islands and the more funding and exposure they get the better
@jasonrichardson2731 Жыл бұрын
Had him on fm21 for Esteghl, had 20 for corners and would get 20 plus assists every season with over 8 avg rating. Took him to feyenoord, way above his game level and he did just as well. One if thise freak players in fm that play way better than they should
@ruskinn Жыл бұрын
Love the new cut man, looks good fully shaved
@jordza2k11 Жыл бұрын
As if someone I'd only ever heard of because of Zealand has this happening... need to be hired as a scout
@chrisramo3895 10 ай бұрын
You should see his elder brother play.... he is currently leading a brand new club (Sulanasina) from Rafael Lea'i's village in Malaita and playing at another league(H. League) here in Honiara.
@GhettoLenin Жыл бұрын
Shaved head look is dope!
@blackfalcon1324 Жыл бұрын
I still remember during florids dorfer when he scored twice in 4 minutes in the last 5 minutes of the match to turn a 0-1 to 2-1
@TaleOfTheToaster Жыл бұрын
This was fascinating, I have a new favourite player
@tromakid843 Жыл бұрын
He's on the bench tonight for Mostar vs Sloboda.
@JomaroTV Жыл бұрын
you blessed my day
@bostonpj Жыл бұрын
He came on as substitute and nearly scored the other day!
@johanvandenbeld7004 Жыл бұрын
Le’ai actually made his debut yesterday for Velez! Coming on in the 80th minute
@gregorygoggins5091 Жыл бұрын
like the vid on the North Korea wonderkid. really enjoying these vids
@HoppouChan Жыл бұрын
nice thing is he doesn't have a move lined up in FM22, and you can snag him with basically any team (I did with Grazer AK at the game start) for like, no money at all. Sure you only get him after a season, but thats still quick bucks
@Wh1te_Panther Жыл бұрын
I love how players like leai is a huge talent but because he’s a forward and you can just look at the stats: a defender/ gk wouldn’t have gotten recognised unless he was scouted
@fashakirabhagawanta8267 Жыл бұрын
Thats our Dorfer legend!
@LordWay Жыл бұрын
Good luck to him I really want him to do well.
@pacyguy7144 Жыл бұрын
Good video 👍🏽
@josiahsahu7354 Жыл бұрын
I hit the subscribe button 💯💯💯💯 🇸🇧🇸🇧
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