Former AFC Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has compared Rayan to Gareth Bale after the teenager’s explosive start at the Cherries. The 19-year-old Brazilian has dazzled with five goals, electric pace and fearless attacking play since arriving in January.
Jermain Defoe has been hugely impressed by Rayan’s impact at AFC Bournemouth since his arrival in January 2026. The former Cherries striker singled out the 19-year-old Brazilian for his dynamic, direct style during a Sky Sports discussion.
"It's so dynamic, quick, strong," Defoe said. "You know, he never turns it down. 1v1, he never turns it down. I love players like that. Comes inside, efficient in front of goal. Yeah, he's been amazing."
Rayan has hit the ground running in the Premier League, making 13 appearances (11 start) and scoring 5 goals with 2 assists. His 25 shots demonstrate real threat, and shot maps highlight his two-footed ability and aerial presence as a wide player/forward.
Defoe continued: "But yeah, this is a kid that can go to the next level. And even here [pointing out his header against Everton], he's crashing that back post, scoring headers as well. What a player he's been."
The stats back that up - Rayan has shown clinical finishing inside the box (notably with his right foot) while proving dangerous from distance and with his head, adding a valuable extra dimension as a wide attacker.
When reviewing clips with the pundits, Defoe made a big statement:
"I'm going to make a big statement. It reminds me of Gareth Bale, to be honest. You know, he does it so effortlessly, and it's the hardest thing to do in a game - to run that length of the pitch, and commit people. Here again [showing his assist for Tavernier against Newcastle] it's amazing... he knocks it out of his feet and he gets onto it and it's a good finish."
REUTERS/Ian Walton "Do you know, there are some players when they're at their best, make it look like they're a grown-up playing in a kid's game. Yeah. But he's only 19. That is the strange thing about him."
At just 19, Rayan has already earned a senior call-up to the Brazil national team and is showing the kind of effortless transitions from defence to attack that defined Bale at his peak. His ability to carry the ball at speed while maintaining composure sets him apart from many young wingers.
Defoe added: "When you think 19 years of age, you think of the World Cup coming in the summer as well. He's had a call-up from Brazil already."
Rayan’s early Premier League numbers - 5 goals from 25 shots, strong two-footed finishing, and aerial threat from wide areas - underline why Bournemouth fans and pundits are excited. As Defoe put it, he’s a player who makes the game look easy despite his tender age. The Cherries look to have found a real gem.