When Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds, many supporters wondered whether the transfer would deliver the expected impact. At Elland Road he had been a talisman, but the move to a club of Barcelona’s stature always raised questions about how he would adapt and whether he would be relied upon in the same way.
Under Xavi he was often used as a late substitute — frequently introduced around the hour mark — which fed the narrative that he was not always trusted as a starter and might eventually move on. Hansi Flick’s arrival changed that dynamic: coach confidence has been pivotal for Raphinha’s form, and the player has responded with higher output and visible commitment.
The practical consequence is clear: Barcelona’s performances dip noticeably without him. With Raphinha on the pitch the team’s win rate is 91%, but that number falls to 60% in matches where he does not play. Moreover, in five of Barcelona’s six defeats in the 2025/26 campaign, Raphinha was unavailable for selection.
His ability to occupy channels, generate chances and press opponents has become a defining feature of Flick’s side; the Brazilian often embodies the coach’s idea of defence beginning with the forwards. Marcus Rashford has also impressed unexpectedly in a comparable role, and without coordinated pincer movements either from the flanks or by runs beyond the striker, Barcelona have sometimes looked predictable in attack. On the opposite wing Lamine Yamal offers a very different skill set and remains a persistent threat to opposing defences.
It is also worth noting that Raphinha has worn the captain’s armband at times over the past two seasons. His current form is a continuation of the level he showed last year, when he played a significant part in Barcelona’s march to the league title and in a Champions League run that in many respects deserved at least a place in the final. With the World Cup only a few months away, he may not have anything to prove to Brazil’s selectors, but maintaining top form will bolster his credentials and, in the meantime, benefit Barcelona.
