Raphinha, celebrating a goal against Betis

RAPHINHA HAS SCORED 20 GOALS IN 29 MATCHES IN 2024-25

Raphinha Reveals the Keys to His Rise to Stardom with FC Barcelona

Published:19/01/2025 - 18:50h

Updated:19/01/2025 - 18:50h

Raphinha gave an interview for FC Barcelona's social media in which he revealed the key to his breakout in 2024-25. The Brazilian admitted to having received psychological help to regain his confidence.

Calendar of FC Barcelona

Raphinha's explosion has been one of the pleasant surprises for FC Barcelona in 2024-25. However, in a previous interview ahead of the Champions match against Benfica (Tuesday at 21:00), the winger opened up about the confidence issues he faced last season and the keys to his remarkable improvement this season, where he has established himself as one of the best forwards in the world.

"Due to the difficulties I went through, I ended up looking for a professional who could help me understand what I was feeling", Rafa admitted. The psychological work, the Brazilian claims, has allowed him to change his way of thinking, gaining much more confidence. "I am living the best moment of my career", added the '11' before recalling another of the tough obstacles he faced at the beginning of his career: physical fragility.

"They said I didn't have strength, that I didn't have the size to compete and I think that gave me the strength to fight and show that it is not with size or strength that you compete", explained Rafa, who did not hesitate to highlight the strength of his character as a fundamental aspect to settle in the elite, first with Leeds in England and now in Barcelona.

Raphinha, Proud to Wear the Captain's Armband at Barça

On the other hand, the Porto Alegre native valued his performance so far in 2024-25, a season in which he has undoubtedly reached his professional peak. The '11' has scored 20 goals (double the number he scored last season) and provided 10 assists in 29 matches (2,387 minutes). "If you had asked me last season if this was something I expected, I would have told you no", said the 28-year-old forward.

In that sense, he added: "At that moment, individually, I didn't feel secure, I wasn't consistent in my matches". Furthermore, Raphinha expressed pride in taking on an unexpected leadership role in the azulgrana locker room, wearing the captain's armband in the absence of Ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong. "The truth is that I feel very happy and privileged to be able to say that I am one of the captains of Barça", the Brazilian pointed out. 

"I have always been a fighter; I seek to give my best on the field"