Raphinha quietly became Barcelona’s clutch player, leader, and engine in the 2024/25 season. His goals, assists, and defensive grit carried Barça—but fans and media barely noticed. It wasn’t the season anyone predicted for Raphinha—but maybe, it was the one he was always meant to have.
In a campaign full of new beginnings for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, Raphinha went from just another winger to the captain. He became the glue holding the team together, especially when injuries left the squad exposed and inconsistent.
He didn’t need dramatic speeches or viral moments to lead. He did it with effort, with presence, and with heart.
Wearing the Armband with Pride
When senior names like Ter Stegen and Roberto were out, few expected Raphinha to be handed the armband. But he earned it.
On the pitch, he guided youngsters like Lamine Yamal. Off it, he stood tall in front of the media after tough nights. Flick praised him not just for what he did in attack, but for “how he carried the team with intelligence and intensity.” Source: The Guardian
Stats That Tell a World-Class Story
Let’s talk numbers—because Raphinha’s 2024/25 stats are not just good, they’re historic.
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Total Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 36 | 18 | 9 | 27 |
| Champions League | 13 | 13 | 9 | 22 |
| All Competitions | 56 | 34 | 25 | 59 |
That’s 59 goal contributions. That’s a direct involvement every 75 minutes. Source: Transfermarkt
Cold in the Clutch
Raphinha’s real magic showed in pressure moments. A hat-trick against Bayern. A game-winning assist in El Clásico. Two decisive plays in the Supercopa final. And yet, there was no flood of praise. No push for awards. Just a quiet acknowledgment, if that.
When Barça needed someone to rise above the noise, Raphinha showed up. Every. Single. Time.
A Forward Who Defended Like a Full-Back
His goal stats are one thing. But Raphinha’s defensive work might’ve been even more valuable.
He chased. He pressed. He tackled. He covered for Cancelo’s runs, fought in midfield duels, and disrupted opponent build-ups with tireless running.
In Flick’s system, where forwards are expected to defend from the front, Raphinha stood out. And not for a flashy highlight—but for work most fans never notice.
From Winger to Weapon
Raphinha didn’t just adapt—he transformed. Instead of hugging the touchline like under Xavi, Flick gave him freedom to roam into the middle. He became a second striker, often drifting into half-spaces, creating room for others, or finding that killer final ball.
His dribbling stayed sharp too—he completed over 75% of his take-ons and created nearly three chances per game. Source: FBref
Equals Ronaldo’s UCL Record
In the Champions League, Raphinha equaled Messi’s best-ever tally of 21 goal contributions. Then quietly broke it with an assist in the semi-final.
He also tied Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most assists in the UCL knockout stages.
Still, when the season ended, the headlines were about Lewandowski’s experience, Yamal’s future, and Pedri’s return—not about the man who actually delivered. Source: TalkSPORT
The Inter Defeat and the Tears That Spoke Volumes
After breaking records, scoring goals, and dragging Barça to a Champions League final, Raphinha walked off the pitch in Milan with tears streaming down his face.
Barcelona had lost. The media focused on Flick’s tactics, Lewandowski’s misses, and Inter’s defense. Raphinha’s heartbreak? Barely mentioned.
No player had done more to get them there. And yet, it felt like the world had already moved on.
Overshadowed When It Mattered Most
For all that effort, for all that output—Raphinha’s name was still barely whispered in Ballon d’Or conversations. The spotlight was often on younger stars like Yamal, veterans like Lewandowski, or big-money signings like Dembele.
Even after his historic Champions League season—where he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s knockout-stage assist record—he was left in tears on the San Siro pitch, watching Inter lift the trophy. Source: TalkSPORT
So Why Was He Ignored?
Maybe it’s because he’s not a flashy brand. Maybe it’s because people didn’t expect him to be this good. Or maybe the world just wasn’t paying attention. But ask any coach. Ask any player. They’ll tell you: Raphinha was Barcelona’s most important man this season.
Sometimes, the best performances don’t trend. But they matter. For FC Barcelona this season, he mattered the most.
Give Him His Flowers
What more could he have done? Led the team. Broke records. Defended. Created. Carried Barça through the season.
He didn’t scream for headlines. He earned them. And now, it’s time to give him the respect he never asked for but deeply deserves. These performances were more than just goals—they were defining moments that showcased his big-game mentality and clinical finishing, even though the wider football world didn’t always give him the spotlight he earned.
Raphinha’s Vision for the Upcoming Season
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Raphinha’s primary objectives include maintaining his high level of attacking output, continuing his leadership responsibilities as Barcelona’s captain, and helping the team secure major titles—especially the UEFA Champions League.
Individually, he aims to remain consistent in both goal-scoring and playmaking, improve his defensive contribution under Hansi Flick’s system, and position himself among the top contenders for individual honors such as the Ballon d’Or. With Barcelona building on a competitive foundation, Raphinha’s role will remain central to both domestic and European ambitions.
Raphinha’s 2024/25 season wasn’t just world-class. It was the beating heart of Barcelona. And it’s time we remembered that.
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Sagnik Banerjee