Overview
- Raphinha, who scored a Champions League brace on September 9, has eight goals in five starts and has found the net in every Barcelona appearance so far this season.
- Coach Hansi Flick’s tactical switch from wing to a central striker role is credited with unlocking Raphinha’s finishing and movement that have made him Barcelona’s attacking focal point.
- Sporting director Deco said the club plans to open contract talks to keep Raphinha, who is Barcelona’s captain and is contracted until 2028.
- Raphinha’s form has reduced immediate pressure to sign Julián Álvarez after Barcelona failed to land the Atlético forward in the summer.
- The scoring run has produced club-first marks and high-profile comparisons to Lionel Messi, La Liga named Raphinha Player of the Month for August, and observers caution the sample size is small so tougher fixtures will test whether the form is sustainable.