Raphinha celebrates three years at Barça: these are his records

On July 13, 2022, FC Barcelona made the signing of Raphael Dias Belloli, Raphinha, official. The club anticipated Chelsea and other big clubs in England by paying 55 million euros to Leeds United for his transfer and signed him for five seasons, until June 2027 with a termination clause of 1,000 'kilos'.

At that time, Deco, current sporting director of Barcelona, was his representative and the Brazilian arrived at the Spotify Camp Nou with the aim of emulating his idols Romário, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho and Neymar Jr. to shine with the Blaugrana shirt.

Although his adaptation was good during the pre-season (he scored a great goal against Real Madrid in the United States), his performance under the orders of Xavi Hernández was discreet, so much so that the coach even put him on the list of transferables at the end of 23/24.

However, the arrival of Hansi Flick to the Barça bench allowed him to gain confidence and reach his best version. The Porto Alegre native even inherited the captaincy due to the injuries of Ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo, establishing himself as one of the leaders of the dressing room.

Raphinha, from less to more with Barça after two years of adaptation

Raphinha, with Xavi Hernández in Montjuïc

In his first season, the winger alternated between the right and left sides of the Blaugrana attack with Ousmane Dembélé. In total, he scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 50 matches, being a key player in the team that won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, although in the Champions League he was unable to score in the group stage.

For 23/24, Xavi alternated his prominence more, putting Lamine Yamal on the right and Joao Félix on the left. Although he played 13 fewer matches (37), he practically replicated his records from the previous season, with 10 goals and 13 assists. However, Barça closed the season without titles and with many unknowns in their squad, including the future of the South American striker.

A third consecratory year with Hansi Flick

Raphinha's definitive explosion came last summer. With the arrival of Hansi Flick, the rumors about his possible departure dissipated and the winger made a notable leap in quality in the 4-2-3-1 scheme implemented by the German.

As an attacking midfielder/left winger, the '11' had more freedom to move around the edge of the area and, together with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, completed a lethal trident, the 'LRL' that destroyed the greats of Europe with 94 goals in 60 official matches.

Rafa not only scored three times as many goals as in his first two seasons, but was also co-leader in assists alongside Lamine (23). In addition, he finished the season as Pichichi of the Champions League with 13 goals, a record for Brazilian footballers in the tournament.

In this way, Raphinha culminated the season leading the five major leagues in Europe in direct goal involvements (57), tied with Mohamed Salah. Records that, in addition, place him as a candidate for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, along with Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé.

In his three seasons as a Blaugrana, the '11' has accumulated 144 official matches and in 24/25 he was captain for a good part of the first half of the season. In total, he has participated in 102 goals, the product of 54 goals and 48 assists, that is, his average is 0.70 goals produced per match.

In his trophy cabinet there are already two Leagues, two Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey. Now, his renewal seems to be on track, very close to turning 29 and with his sights set on playing in his second World Cup with the 'Canarinha' in 2026. Will he be able to surpass his incredible records from 24/25?

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