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Netherlands Star Crysencio Summerville Jokes That Ex-Leeds Team-Mate Raphinha ‘Didn’t Call’ After His World Cup Goal
Rohan Mehta | June 18, 2026 9:56 AM CST

Crysencio Summerville has light-heartedly remarked that his former Leeds United colleague Raphinha ‘didn’t call’ after he scored his first goal for the Netherlands, adding that he hopes to meet him later in the World Cup.

The 24-year-old, who recently faced relegation with West Ham United, continues to attract significant interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Manchester United are all reported to be monitoring his situation.

On Sunday, Summerville made a striking impression on the World Cup stage as he blasted home a brilliant long-range effort, securing the Netherlands’ second goal in a 2-2 draw against Japan. The goal came in only his third appearance for the national side, having debuted earlier this month in a friendly match against Algeria.

Summerville, who played 89 matches for Leeds United and shared the pitch with Raphinha on 24 occasions, joked that his former team-mate and close friend has yet to reach out following his first goal on the world stage.

The Dutch winger also opened up about his admiration for Brazilian forward Neymar, revealing that he had idolised the star since childhood. He expressed that facing Brazil and Neymar in the knockout rounds would be a dream come true — especially with Raphinha also part of the Brazilian squad.

Speaking to Dutch magazine Voetbal International, Summerville shared: “I used to watch clips of Neymar on YouTube back in the day. Playing against Neymar would really be a childhood dream; he’s my idol. And yes, then I would also meet Raphinha. No, he hasn’t called me after my goal against Japan.”

Contrary to some reports, Leeds United are not expected to receive any financial benefit from Summerville’s international debut with the Netherlands, and there is no clause entitling them to a future windfall from his potential transfer. Manager Daniel Farke is also understood to have moved on from including the Dutch winger in his future plans.

The Netherlands will next face Sweden in their Group F fixture on June 20, with Summerville possibly going head-to-head with his former Leeds United team-mate Gabriel Gudmundsson, who currently represents Sweden.


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