With 28 goals in all competitions this season, Raphinha is aiming for a treble with Barcelona and is a bright candidate for the title of Golden Ball.
1 goal and 2 assists against Dortmund, bringing the total number of contributions to Raphinha's goal in the Champions League this season to 19 - equal to the best achievement of Lionel Messi. This is an incredible change to the 28 -year -old.
After two relatively impressive seasons in Barcelona, the Brazilian striker was contacted to move to Saudi Arabia. However, few people expected Raphinha to be so spectacular. Raphinha is currently one of the best wingers in the world.
Raphinha's shine in Barcelona is one of the stories of the season. Consider the list of candidates for the 2025 Golden Ball title and most are teen stars.
"Raphinha is a phenomenon. Now everyone sees the potential and what he can do, what we have realized from within the Brazilian team. We have found how important Raphinha, the effort, spirit and leadership ability.
If he continues to maintain his form from now until the end of the season, he has a great chance to lie among the top candidates who win the Golden Ball " - compatriot center Marquinhos praised Raphinha.
The numbers of Raphinha in Barcelona this season are really spectacular. It is true that he stole Pau Cubari's goal against Dortmund. However, despite being a Champions League scorer, Raphinha still ranked higher in the number of assists compared to the goal in La Liga this season.
Raphinha has created more opportunities from situations that are more open than anyone else in La Liga this season. Determined when holding the ball but also moving enthusiasm without the ball, he became a comprehensive player in Barcelona.
It is worth noting that it was not until the third season at Barca, Raphinha to really develop. Not everyone has so much time in the ambitious team like Blaugrana. The reason for the transformation is partly due to changing the role, consistent with the strength of Raphinha.
Although playing in many different positions in the squad, the current role in the left wing is the key to helping Raphinha shine. From the left wing, the former Leeds player can score and create. As a result, in addition to supporting the striker, he scored many goals in La Liga this season more than the first two campaigns combined.
From a player suspected of reaching the highest level, Raphinha has now become the world's leading superstar. It would not be surprising if this year's Golden Ball title called Raphinha.
