Barcelona started the 2024-2025 season with Raphinha's future uncertain, Lamine Yamal in the high school exam, and Wojciech Szczesny retired and smoking on the beach in Marbella. Meanwhile, coach Hansi Flick took over a team that had not won any trophies in the previous 2/3 seasons.
In midweek, the Blaugrana ensured the end of the season with a domestic treble after defeating their opponent Espanyol city with a score of 2-0 to win the La Liga championship.
They have previously won the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid in both finals. Barca's journey to the Champions League semi-finals also showed progress, even though being eliminated by Inter Milan was disappointing.
The story of Raphinha, Yamal and Szczesny is just one of many subplots from a campaign full of such stories. However, the center of the story is Flick, the German coach appointed to replace Xavi Hernandez last summer.
No one really knows how successful Flick will be after an unimpressive time in charge of the German national team. Even within the club, sources told ESPN that they were surprised by the level of success Barca have achieved this season.
Remember, before the 2024-2025 campaign started, the percentage of Barcelona winning La Liga was assessed at the lowest level in the past 15 years. Part of the reason is that their squad includes many young players.
With teenagers Yamal and Pau Cubarsi playing a key role, Flick has worked with the youngest squad in La Liga. The average age of 24.1 - boosted by veterans Robert Lewandowski and Inigo Martinez - also makes them the youngest Spanish champions of the century.
Last summer, Raphinha received a phone call that changed the fate of him and Barca. Fed up with being replaced, he considered leaving. Flick called Raphinha and advised the Brazilian not to rush.
The result was the best season of his career for Raphinha, scoring more than 50 goals in all competitions. In the Champions League alone, he has contributed to 21 goals in 14 appearances (13 goals, 8 assists), breaking Lionel Messi's record (19).
Raphinha is one of many players who have improved their form thanks to Flick's honest and affectionate management. As EURO 2024 was taking place last summer, Flick often texted his players - including Yamal, to wish them luck.
The team members were also impressed with his handling of Vitor Roque's departure. The Brazilian striker was not welcomed, but Flick still resolved Roque's story appropriately.
Of course, things always get easier when the team wins. Flick's 11 wins in his first 12 La Liga games mean he has not had to deal with too many difficulties.
At the start of this year's campaign, Flick has shifted to young players. With the absence of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, Flick started the season with academy products, including Marc Bernal (17 years old) and Marc Casado (21 years old).
Previously, more experienced players may have been asked to play in positions that were not their forte. However, Flick always prioritizes using the right people in the right positions.
Flick has remained true to that philosophy in big games. When Alejandro Balde was injured in March, Flick turned to Gerard Martin. The 23-year-old has only played in the Spanish third division for two years, but has played in the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals.
There has always been consistency in Flick's direction. As someone who values timely timing, he has proven that no one is exempted from the rules when he twice eliminated defender Jules Kounde for being late in team meetings.
Goalkeeper Inaki Pena also suffered the same fate in January. And this consistency has created an environment that helps to fully develop the abilities of players who may not be considered pillars.
Ferran Torres has scored 19 goals despite only being a reserve striker. Eric Garcia has played well in many different positions and Fermin Lopez has also contributed impressively from the bench.
Of course, it was the regular stars who pushed Barca up. Lewandowski, at the age of 36, had his best season for Barca, scoring 40 goals in all competitions. Martinez, at the age of 33, has become Barcelona's leader of the defense. Balde, Pedri, De Jong... are also on the list of advanced players.
