Raphinha’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of phenomenal. With 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 games, the Brazilian forward has been instrumental in Barcelona’s domestic treble – LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa. His impressive performance has earned him a spot among the world’s top players.
The 28-year-old, who has played for Vitoria Guimaraes and Sporting, never imagined he’d reach such heights. “I never thought I’d be among the top 10 players in the world,” he said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “But this season has given me the confidence to believe I can achieve anything.” Raphinha recently signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2028.
For Raphinha, playing for Barcelona is a dream come true. “I’ve played for many clubs, but I don’t know if I’ll play for another top club after this,” he said. “My goal is to stay here as long as I can give my best. I want to be important for the club, the players, and the coach.”
Deco’s Impact and Yamal’s Future
Raphinha credits Deco, his former agent and current Barcelona sports director, for playing a significant role in his career. “We’ve worked together since my last year in Brazil,” he said. “Deco helped me move to Europe, and eventually, to Barcelona. He believed in me and helped me achieve my dreams.”
Raphinha also praised his teammate Lamine Yamal, who has been impressive this season. “Yamal can achieve anything he sets his mind to,” Raphinha said. “He has the quality, dedication, and work ethic to succeed. I’ve told him he has no limits, and if he wants to reach the top, he can do it easily.”