Raised in the same community as Ronaldinho, Barcelona’s Raphinha opens up about the pressure of leading the Seleção and how Hansi Flick saved his Blaugrana career from the brink of an exit.
 |
| Raphinha has evolved into one of the most versatile and hard-working wingers in world football. |
BARCELONA – For many, the story of Raphinha begins on the muddy pitches of Porto Alegre, but for the man himself, a pivotal moment occurred in 2003 at a samba-filled farewell party. His father, a musician, was performing for Ronaldinho as the legendary playmaker prepared to leave for Catalonia. A seven-year-old Raphinha was there, starstruck by a man who would eventually become a mentor and friend. Today, Raphinha walks the same halls at Barcelona, carrying the weight of a nation that expects nothing less than World Cup glory.
In an exclusive sit-down with GOAL, the 29-year-old winger reflected on a career that recently seemed destined to continue away from the Camp Nou. "I’ve always wanted to play at the highest possible level," he explained. "That level demands a tremendous amount from a person. It’s something I’ve been preparing for since childhood." However, as recently as the summer of 2024, that level seemed out of reach as Barcelona's financial woes and a lack of consistent form put him on the transfer list.
The Flick Factor: From Exit Door to Ballon d'Or Contender
Under former manager Xavi, Raphinha was often viewed as a functional utility player. When Hansi Flick arrived, the Brazilian was already looking for a new home, with Arsenal and Saudi Pro League clubs circling. But Flick saw what others missed. By shifting Raphinha from his preferred right-wing slot to a No.10 or left-wing role to accommodate the rising Lamine Yamal, Flick unlocked a monster.
"I was leaving Barcelona," Raphinha admitted. "But Flick was the one who put his trust in me. He was the person who transformed my career." That transformation resulted in a staggering 59 goal involvements last season, propelling him to fifth in the Ballon d'Or voting—a ranking Raphinha boldly suggests should have been even higher. His defensive work rate has become legendary, often covering the ground of three players to allow Yamal and Lewandowski to stay forward.
Raphinha's Career Milestones:
- Ballon d'Or Ranking: Finished 5th in the 2025 voting.
- Club Success: Winner of La Liga (2023, 2025) and Copa Del Rey (2025).
- Productivity: 59 goal involvements in the 2024-25 season.
- National Hero: Leading the attack for the 2026 World Cup alongside Vinícius Jr.
The Burden of the Seleção: A 24-Year Drought
While club success has come, the international stage remains a source of pressure. Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002, a tournament Raphinha remembers only as a six-year-old. With Neymar's fitness in question at 34 and Rodrygo sidelined with an ACL injury, the responsibility to deliver in 2026 falls squarely on Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr.
"The pressure is quite high. Representing an entire nation is an honor that demands a tremendous amount," Raphinha said. He acknowledges the skepticism from fans who long for the "Samba football" of the past, but he insists that under new leadership, the team is becoming grittier and more prepared for the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
The Road to 2026: Success is the Only Option
Currently rehabbing a hamstring injury that will keep him out until May, Raphinha is focused on his return for the final stretch of the season and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. For him, individual accolades like the Ballon d'Or are secondary to the collective dream of a sixth star for Brazil.
"It is a goal for the entire country: to win again after so many years," he concluded. "We are working very hard, and I truly hope we succeed." If his journey from the boy at Ronaldinho’s party to the engine room of Barcelona is any indication, Raphinha has the resilience to turn that hope into reality.
As Barcelona prepares for their next clash against Celta Vigo, and Brazil looks toward a summer of high stakes, one thing is clear: Raphinha is no longer just a spectator to greatness—he is the one defining it.