Raphinha has become a name synonymous with brilliance in Lisbon, and it’s no longer a coincidence. The Brazilian winger from FC Barcelona is enjoying what he himself calls the best period of his professional career. In the penultimate round of the Champions League group stage against Benfica, Raphinha showcased why those who once criticized him are now his biggest admirers.

Not only is he the most reliable forward for Barça—more so than Lewandowski or even Lamine Yamal—but he’s also the team’s most relentless worker. He presses, hustles, and embodies the belief that victory is always within reach. His transformation is supported by astonishing numbers: 22 goals and 11 assists in just 31 official matches this season. That’s involvement in 33 of Barça’s 94 goals—a remarkable 35% contribution. Such stats are elevating him as a serious contender for the next Ballon d’Or.

Raphinha: The Key to Flick’s New Barça

Hansi Flick’s arrival has turned Raphinha into a pivotal figure for Barcelona’s dominance in Europe. While there have been occasional stumbles, Barça continues to secure commanding victories. In a chaotic stoppage time at the Estádio da Luz, Raphinha’s electrifying run silenced the crowd, earning Barça a victory that made headlines worldwide. His performance crowned him MVP, and his numbers are heading into legendary territory.

Comparisons with his compatriots further underline his transformation. Last season, Rodri claimed Europe’s top honors for his decisive role, while Vinicius Jr. stood out with 24 goals in 39 matches. Remarkably, Raphinha’s current numbers—22 goals by January—are already nearing Vinicius’ total from last season, with plenty of matches still to come. Flick’s tactical flexibility, utilizing Raphinha both as a left winger and a playmaker, has unlocked his full potential, allowing him to thrive between the lines and create from the flanks.

Europe’s Envy

Raphinha’s statistics are turning heads across the continent. Despite not being a traditional striker, he ranks among Europe’s top scorers and forms part of the most lethal attacking trio in the major leagues, alongside Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. 

Together, they’ve contributed to 32 goals this season. Individually, Raphinha’s numbers are equally impressive. In La Liga, he’s the third-highest scorer with 11 goals, trailing only Lewandowski (16) and Mbappé (12). Across all competitions in Europe, he shares third place with Salah (22 goals), sitting just one goal behind Haaland and six behind Lewandowski.

The Full Package: Scorer and Playmaker

Raphinha’s value doesn’t stop at scoring. He’s also one of Europe’s best playmakers, delivering 11 assists—ranking third, behind Salah (17) and Lamine Yamal (14). When combining goals and assists, Raphinha takes second place with 33 total goal contributions, surpassing Lewandowski (31) and trailing only Salah (39).

A Star in Full Bloom

From a player once doubted by fans to one of Europe’s brightest stars, Raphinha has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s his tireless work ethic, his eye for goal, or his ability to set up his teammates, he’s become indispensable for Barça. And as his numbers continue to soar, Raphinha’s name is sure to dominate discussions of football’s elite for the remainder of the season.