Raphinha is one goal or assist away from breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goal contributions in a single UEFA Champions League season. But before delivering on the field, he had to deal with Xavi and the former management at Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger is having a dream season—set to win La Liga, already a Spanish Super Cup champion, and very close to playing his first Champions League final. But that success didn’t come quickly after leaving Leeds United in 2022.
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Barcelona signed Raphinha with Xavi as manager, but the coach didn’t use him consistently. In his first two seasons at Barça, Raphinha played 87 matches, started 60, and was often substituted—finishing only eight games on the pitch.
That left Raphinha frustrated, and during a Champions League clash against Manchester United last season, emotions boiled over, he revealed in an Interview with the j Isabela Pagliari
“Sometimes, I gave it my all for 60 minutes, and they took me off. There’s a famous video where I explode when I get to the bench and punch something. I think it was in the game against Manchester United. I had played really well. I had scored and provided an assist. I think it was 2–2 and they took me off. I had just created a really good chance. I was feeling good and playing well. And I was the first player to be substituted. I couldn’t believe it.”
A spot in the starting eleven was never secured for Raphinha. According to the player, he only played the full 90 minutes when there was no other option. Xavi was often frustrated with the signings made by the club—players he hadn’t personally requested.
-“I felt that the coaching staff had no confidence in me. When there was no one else [another player]I was there and played the full 90 minutes. I gave everything I could and had an impact on the games, but when there was someone else who could play in my place, they chose him without even thinking.”
Hansi Flick made Raphinha a key part of the team
When Xavi stepped down and German manager Hansi Flick took over, Raphinha regained his confidence and became one of the team’s key players in every phase of the game—especially coming from a background under Marcelo Bielsa, who preferred to keep his starters on the pitch for the full 90 minutes whenever possible.
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Raphinha was impressed by Flick’s treatment of the squad, including players not directly involved—such as Vitor Roque, another signing from the Xavi era, who was loaned to Real Betis and now plays for Palmeiras.
“He [Flick] is someone who cares about all the players, those who are playing and those who are not. I really noticed that when Vitor Roque left. I was very touched by the way he handled it. He was more concerned than Vitor about what was happening. He went to speak with the club to find out everything about the situation and talked to Roque.”
Raphinha now has 12 goals and 21 involvements in goals in a single UEFA Champions League season, and 31 in 52 matches across all competitions – Cristiano had 21 in 2013/14. Barcelona will need him at his best to beat Inter Milan on Tuesday at San Siro and secure a spot in the final.
