Signed in July 2022, wing forward Raphinha has been one of the most consistent performers for FC Barcelona in the last few seasons. However, things didn't start that well for him in the initial stages of his Barca career, considering that he arrived at a time of significant turbulence, one of the most difficult eras in the Blaugrana club's history.
Raphinha Dias: From facing criticisms to being FC Barcelona's Club Captain
As reports from Relevo suggest, the Brazilian wing star had a lot of disagreements with Xavi in his first season at Barça, especially due to his early substitutions. Always carrying the spirit of helping his team in the best way possible, he had to rather face criticism for demanding more game time at the club. However, still, he went on to make a staggering 22 goal contributions in the 2022/23 campaign, helping in the club's most memorable La Liga victory.
Then came the most underwhelming campaign of FC Barcelona in recent years, where the club finished the season without a single silverware. However, Raphinha's numbers improved only, going from 22 goal contributions in 50 games in his debut season to 23 goal contributions in 37 appearances, emerging as one of the few positives for FC Barcelona that season.
With the club going trophyless, the board sacked Xavi at the end of the 2023/24 season, and since then a new era started, not only in Barca's history but also for Raphinha. Since the day Flick saw Raphinha in training, he saw in him a player willing to give everything for the club, and afterward, the Brazilian has never looked back. Being named as one of the 5 Club Captains for the 2024/25 campaign, Raphinha has started it in the best way possible.
Although he has been one of the most consistent performers in the past as well, this season he has been just unstoppable. Having 8 goal contributions in his 8 appearances, so far, the pacy winger has been the lead force in almost every FC Barcelona attack. In fact, having received the La Liga POTM of the Month award for the inaugural month of the season, Raphinha has been arguably the best winger in Europe this season.
Not only for his goal contributions, but the superstar has shown significant leadership from the front, as after Club Captain Ter Stegen got injured, Raphinha has led the team by example. Clearly, the winger's journey from being heavily criticized to leading Barcelona has been completely extraordinary. Barca fans would hope that Raphinha continues in his rich form, leading the Blaugrana club for some major titles this season.