Raphinha Rises as Barcelona’s Key Player in Champions League

Barcelona, Spain – Raphinha, once sidelined at Barcelona, is now pivotal to Hansi Flick‘s plans in the Champions League. The Brazilian winger has transformed his game, finding resilience despite his notorious reputation for missed opportunities.

This season, Raphinha has missed the target 32 times, accounting for 73% of all his shots. While this lack of accuracy raises eyebrows, it reflects his relentless pursuit of success. ‘To score, first you have to learn how to miss,’ he noted, encapsulating his approach to the game.

His tenure at Leeds saw a similar trend; during his last Premier League season, he ranked ninth for total shots yet only 31st for shots on target. Despite the odds, Raphinha remains persistent, aware that football often hinges on probabilities. ‘Most of the time, you miss,’ he explained, ‘but keep shooting for the corners and every now and again, you may just land a treble.’

Last summer posed challenges for Raphinha, as he faced strong competition within the Barcelona squad. With Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams vying for positions, he even considered leaving the club. An offer from Al Hilal tempted him, but a successful Copa América where he was named in the tournament’s best eleven revitalized his career.

It was then that Flick reached out. ‘Before you make any decisions, come and train,’ he told Raphinha, recognizing his potential and leadership qualities in a young squad. Flick could see not just talent, but also a player willing to embrace failure and keep pushing forward.

Raphinha’s journey hasn’t been effortless. Unlike players with innate confidence like Kylian Mbappé, he faced rejections that shaped his outlook. As a result, he understands the value of second chances. After a disheartening moment in a match against Real Madrid when a last-minute penalty was overturned, Raphinha accepted the disappointment without protest.

Now, as Barcelona marches towards Champions League glory, Raphinha’s scoring prowess is essential. While talk of him winning the Ballon d’Or may seem ambitious, his current form cannot be ignored. With 12 goals stemming from an expected goals (xG) of 5.5, he is a crucial asset to the team.

‘Now my mind is closed to money, and open to dreams,’ Raphinha said, showcasing his renewed focus on the game and the future.