Raphinha’s story at FC Barcelona has been one of the most inspirational stories about mental grit and comebacks in the modern football world. The tale started off in 2022, when Raphinha was signed by FC Barcelona from Leeds United on the request of then coach Xavi Hernandez. After the first two rather underwhelming seasons at the club, Raphinha was under heavy scrutiny and tipped to leave the club soon owing to his poor performances. His turn of fortunes began with a change in management at FC Barcelona after the appointment of Hansi Flick.
Come May 2025, Raphinha is currently one of the club captains, has 55 G/A in 53 matches; the highest goal contributions in the Barca squad for the current season, and has delivered some of the best performances of his life in the current season. His redemption arc has been synonymous with FC Barcelona’s resurgence, who have already won 2 trophies in the current season and look to be on-course to also secure the LaLiga title. Amidst all of this, Barcelona and Raphinha are already working on a contract extension for the Brazilian forward to keep at the club for a long-time according to reports.
Raphinha levels Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of most goal-contributions in single UCL campaign
Speaking to Movistar in a recent interview, Raphinha said that his next steps with the club was to renew his contract and work towards achieving ever more laurels together. He said, “What’s next? My renewal! I'm enjoying it all a lot right now. I didn't expect it even in my dreams.” Raphinha has given a lot of credit to Hansi Flick, saying that this comeback story would have been impossible without the belief and support of Flick in Raphinha’s abilities. He said, “I will be forever grateful to Hansi Flick. He changed my entire career. Without Flick, I was maybe at another club and not at Barca now.”
Raphinha also reached another historic feat during his current campaign with the Blaugrana. During the disheartening defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, Raphinha leveled the record of Cristiano Ronaldo for the greatest number of direct goal contributions in a single Champions League edition. With a goal at the San Siro against Milan, Raphinha took his tally to 22 goal contributions.
