Daily News 19

Tag: Raphinha

  • Barcelona Legend Reveals Surprise Ballon d’Or Pick

    Barcelona Legend Reveals Surprise Ballon d’Or Pick

    Key Highlights

    • Barcelona legend Carles Rexach has publicly endorsed Raphinha as a deserving Ballon d’Or winner despite the Brazilian’s absence from this year’s shortlist.
    • Rexach argues the award should reflect current form, stating Raphinha’s performances merit the prestigious individual honor.
    • The endorsement highlights a discrepancy between the official 30-man nominee list and expert assessments of the winger’s 2024 impact.

    Rexach Champions Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or Credentials

    Former Barcelona player and coach Carles Rexach has weighed into the debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, delivering a strong endorsement of Raphinha that contradicts the official nomination list released by France Football. The Brazilian winger, who has been instrumental in Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barcelona side, was notably omitted from the 30-player shortlist announced earlier this month. Rexach, a respected voice at Camp Nou having served the club in various capacities over five decades, contends that the selection committee overlooked the player’s current trajectory and decisive influence on matches.

    Current Form Versus Historical Voting Cycles

    The crux of Rexach’s argument rests on the timing of the award relative to the football calendar. While the Ballon d’Or traditionally assesses a player’s output over the preceding European season, the veteran believes the “current situation” on the pitch should carry decisive weight. Raphinha has started the 2024-25 campaign in scintillating fashion, contributing goals and assists at a rate that places him among the statistical elite in La Liga and the Champions League. Rexach’s stance suggests a growing sentiment among purists that individual awards must evolve to recognize peak performance windows rather than relying solely on retrospective seasonal aggregates.

    A Legend’s Perspective on Modern Greatness

    Carles Rexach’s opinion carries significant historical gravity. As a member of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” and a long-time technical director, his evaluation of attacking talent is rooted in the Barcelona philosophy of dominant, creative football. He sees in Raphinha a player embodying the directness and goal threat required at the highest level. The omission of the 27-year-old from the shortlist—while teammates like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski were included—has sparked discussion regarding the criteria used by the international jury of journalists. Rexach’s intervention amplifies the narrative that Raphinha’s resurgence under Flick represents one of the most compelling individual storylines in European football this year.

    Why This Matters

    The discrepancy between expert opinion and the official Ballon d’Or shortlist underscores an ongoing tension in football’s most prestigious individual award. The voting process, conducted by a global panel of journalists, finalizes its selections months before the ceremony, potentially missing late-season surges or early-season explosions like Raphinha’s current form. For Barcelona, the debate serves as a validation of their sporting project under Hansi Flick, demonstrating that their key assets are receiving world-class recognition from within the game, even if institutional awards lag behind. As the ceremony approaches, the conversation sparked by figures like Rexach may influence future reforms to the voting timeline or criteria.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why was Raphinha left off the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist?
    The shortlist reflects performances during the 2023-24 season, a period in which Raphinha struggled with injuries and inconsistent form before his current resurgence under Hansi Flick.
    What is Carles Rexach’s connection to FC Barcelona?
    Carles Rexach is a club legend who played for Barcelona for 15 years, later serving as first-team coach, sporting director, and technical advisor across multiple decades.
    Who are the Barcelona players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
    Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski were the Barcelona representatives included on the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football.
  • Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Key Highlights

    • Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight matches of the 2024-25 season, the best goalscoring start in the club’s history, surpassing César Rodríguez’s previous record of 13.
    • The Brazilian has netted 12 goals in his first seven LaLiga appearances, the third-highest tally in league history behind only Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo (13 in 2014-15).
    • Despite leading LaLiga leaders Barcelona with nearly 40% of the team’s 36 total goals and outpacing elite strikers like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, Raphinha was omitted from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist—a decision he called unfair.

    Raphinha Rewrites Barcelona History with Record-Breaking Start

    Barcelona forward Raphael Dias “Raphinha” has authored one of the most remarkable individual starts to a season in the club’s storied history. Following a “perfect hat-trick” in the 3-1 victory at Sevilla’s Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, the Brazilian has accumulated 14 goals across the first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 campaign. This tally eclipses the previous club benchmark of 13 goals set by Blaugrana legend César Rodríguez, establishing a new standard for goalscoring immediacy at the Catalan institution. The 27-year-old from Porto Alegre has achieved this feat while operating primarily as a center-forward—a position he had rarely, if ever, occupied prior to this season.

    From Winger to “9”: A Tactical Masterstroke by Hansi Flick

    The positional transformation traces back to August 16, when head coach Hansi Flick deployed Raphinha as the tip of the attack during the first half of a pre-season friendly against Swiss side Basel. “I don’t remember having trained as a “9” in training sessions. In the match, the coach told me that I would play as a “9” and that afterwards I would move to the wing,” Raphinha revealed in a recent interview with Rac1. The experiment became necessity when Barcelona’s pursuit of Atlético de Madrid striker Julián Álvarez collapsed due to the colchonero club’s refusal to negotiate. Thrust into the role for the LaLiga opener against Elche on August 23, Raphinha responded with a brace and an assist in a 5-0 rout. Since that debut, he has found the net in seven of eight matches, failing to score only against Levante—a match in which he registered two assists. His current average of 1.75 goals per game places him ahead of established European elite such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland at the corresponding stage of the season.

    Exclusive Company in LaLiga and Barcelona Annals

    The statistics underscore the historic nature of the run. Raphinha’s 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays rank third all-time in the competition’s history, trailing only Oviedo’s Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 13 for Real Madrid in 2014-15. At Sánchez Pizjuán, he recorded his second league hat-trick of the season—following the earlier treble against Racing de Santander in a 7-2 win—becoming the first player to achieve multiple hat-tricks in a single Spanish top-flight campaign since the 2017-18 season. Within Barcelona’s history, only Lionel Messi (on three occasions) and Luis Suárez had previously accomplished the feat. Notably, Suárez was also the last Blaugrana player to score a “perfect hat-trick”—one goal each with head, right foot, and left foot—before Raphinha replicated the achievement against Sevilla.

    Why This Matters

    Raphinha’s emergence as a world-class center-forward fundamentally alters Barcelona’s sporting trajectory and the broader European transfer landscape. The club entered the summer window prioritizing a traditional number nine, with Julián Álvarez identified as the primary target. Atlético Madrid’s intransigence forced Hansi Flick to innovate internally, converting a winger who had never trained as a striker into the focal point of an attack that has produced 36 goals in eight matches—31 in LaLiga and five in the Champions League. Raphinha accounts for nearly 40% of that output, rendering the absences of Robert Lewandowski (19 goals in 46 games last season) and Ferran Torres (21 in 49) statistically negligible. This development validates Flick’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s adaptability, while simultaneously strengthening Barcelona’s negotiating position in future windows: they no longer face the desperation that often inflates transfer fees. For Raphinha individually, the Ballon d’Or snub despite historic numbers highlights the award’s persistent bias toward traditional strikers and high-profile transfers, potentially fueling a second-half surge that could force a reevaluation before voting concludes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many goals has Raphinha scored for Barcelona this season?

    Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 season, including 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays.

    What records has Raphinha broken with this start?

    He holds the best goalscoring start in Barcelona history (surpassing César Rodríguez’s 13 goals), the third-best start in LaLiga history (behind Esteban Echevarría and Cristiano Ronaldo), and is the first Barcelona player since Luis Suárez to score a perfect hat-trick. He also joins Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez as the only Barcelona players with multiple league hat-tricks in a single season.

    Why is Raphinha playing as a center-forward instead of a winger?

    Head coach Hansi Flick first tested him as a “9” in a friendly against Basel on August 16. The move became permanent after Barcelona failed to sign primary target Julián Álvarez from Atlético de Madrid. Raphinha had never previously trained as a striker but has thrived in the role since his competitive debut at center-forward against Elche on August 23.

  • Barcelona Sporting Director Deco Meets Raphinha as Club Begins Contract Renewal Talks

    Barcelona Sporting Director Deco Meets Raphinha as Club Begins Contract Renewal Talks

    Barcelona sporting director Deco has held an informal meeting with Raphinha as the club initiates discussions over a new contract for the Brazilian winger, according to a report from Diario SPORT.

    Contract Talks Begin in Castelldefels

    Deco and Barcelona board member Alejandro Echevarria met with the 28-year-old forward for lunch at a restaurant in Castelldefels on Monday. The gathering signals the start of negotiations to extend Raphinha’s current deal, which runs through June 2027.

    Raphinha’s Growing Importance at Barcelona

    Since arriving from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, Raphinha has developed into a key figure in Barcelona’s attack. The Brazil international has contributed goals and assists across domestic and European competitions, earning the trust of the coaching staff and the fanbase alike.

    His current form and tactical versatility — capable of operating on either flank or through the center — make him a priority retention target for the club’s sporting hierarchy as they plan for the upcoming season.

    Strategic Timing for Extension

    Opening talks now allows Barcelona to secure one of their primary offensive assets well before the final years of his contract, potentially avoiding transfer speculation and strengthening their negotiating position. The informal nature of Monday’s meeting suggests both parties are approaching the discussions constructively.

    Further meetings between the player’s representatives and the club’s management are expected in the coming weeks as the structure and duration of a new agreement take shape.

  • Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Secures Long-Term Barcelona Future After Explosive Start Under Hansi Flick

    Barcelona winger Raphinha has received assurances regarding his long-term future at the club following an exceptional start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick, according to a report from Diario Sport.

    Injury Struggles Behind Him, Brazilian Emerges as Key Leader

    The Brazilian international has effectively put his past injury troubles behind him, establishing himself as a pivotal leader within the squad. His current form represents a dramatic turnaround, with the attacker recording eight goals across his opening five official matches of the campaign.

    Flick’s System Unlocks Raphinha’s Peak Potential

    Under Flick’s tactical setup, Raphinha has flourished, demonstrating the clinical finishing and creative influence that initially attracted Barcelona to the player. The early-season statistics underscore his importance to the team’s attacking structure, positioning him as one of the most in-form forwards in European football.

    The club’s decision to secure his long-term commitment reflects confidence in his current trajectory and his central role in the project moving forward.

  • Raphinha on target again as Barcelona put five past Feyenoord

    Raphinha on target again as Barcelona put five past Feyenoord

    Barcelona delivered a commanding performance in the Champions League, overwhelming Feyenoord with a display of attacking flair and tactical control. The Catalan giants turned on the style at home, dictating the tempo and creating numerous opportunities throughout the contest.

    Raphinha’s Hot Streak Continues

    The match served as another showcase for Raphinha, who extended his sensational start to the season with a clinical double. The Brazilian forward has been in scintillating form, and his two goals against the Dutch side further cemented his status as the team’s primary offensive threat. His brace took his early-season tally to new heights, highlighting his improved finishing and positional awareness under the current system.

    Beyond the individual brilliance, the victory underscored Barcelona’s collective cohesion. The midfield orchestrated play with precision, while the defensive unit remained resolute against Feyenoord’s counter-attacks. The result provides significant momentum as the group stage progresses, signaling Barcelona’s intent to compete deeply in Europe’s premier competition.

  • Raphinha Leads the Line and Sets Example as Barca Enjoys Hot Start

    Raphinha Leads the Line and Sets Example as Barca Enjoys Hot Start

    Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou pitch resembled a slip and slide early on Wednesday as Feyenoord defenders Jeremiah St. Juste and Charles Vanhoutte went sliding across the area just three minutes into the UEFA Champions League fixture. Torrential rain poured down as Barça forward Raphinha feigned to shoot on his right foot before cutting inside on his left. With St. Juste and Vanhoutte exiting the picture, Raphinha slotted home.

    The night did not improve for the Dutch side. The rain soon stopped, but the goals kept coming. Raphinha added a second, while Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal, and Gabriel Jesus — scoring for the first time since his summer move from Arsenal — all found the net. Sem Steijn managed a consolation for Feyenoord, but Barcelona ran out convincing 5-1 winners.

    Historic Start Fuels European Ambitions

    It is already the fourth time this season Barcelona have netted five goals in a match, having played just five games. Though it is early days, there are reasons for the Spanish champions to believe this represents their best chance in a while to end a 12-year wait for a Champions League title by the time June’s final arrives in Madrid.

    After back-to-back LaLiga titles under coach Hansi Flick, winning a sixth European Cup has become an increasing obsession in Catalonia. Leading the charge in more ways than one is the man who sent St. Juste and Vanhoutte flying: Raphinha.

    Raphinha’s Evolution: Captain and Striker

    The Brazil international now leads the team as newly appointed club captain — “Raphinha capitán” chants rang around the stadium when he was substituted late on — and he unexpectedly leads the line as the side’s striker.

    Sporting director Deco had hoped to bring in Julián Álvarez to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer. After Atlético Madrid refused to negotiate for the Argentina forward, Barcelona turned to Jesus as a low-cost squad option. Meanwhile, Raphinha, signed as a right winger from Leeds United in 2022 and converted to a left winger, has excelled as a No. 9. Perhaps benefiting from the break provided by Brazil’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup, he has scored eight goals this season, netting in each of Barcelona’s five games to date — a feat not achieved since 1950, when César Rodríguez managed it, according to Pedro Martin.

    In Europe he is particularly effective. Raphinha now has 28 goal contributions in the past three Champions League seasons; only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (29) has been directly involved in more goals in that span.

    Work Rate Sets the Standard

    But it’s not just his numbers. It’s his work rate. Raphinha hunts down every defender, relentlessly tracks back, and leads by example. He sets the standards for the other forwards, and they — including Yamal, who in different circumstances or other teams may be afforded some luxuries — follow.

    “If you don’t run, you don’t win,” Yamal said before the Feyenoord game.

    That attitude strangled Feyenoord in the early stages on Wednesday. Flick showcased Barcelona’s depth by making five changes — Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, João Cancelo, Dani Olmo, and Adeyemi replaced Eric García, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart, Fermín López, and Anthony Gordon — and just three minutes were on the clock when Raphinha, set up by Yamal, opened the scoring. The pressing did not let up; the Eredivisie side was not allowed to breathe.

    Clinical Finishing and Record-Chasing Yamal

    Adeyemi added a stunning second from outside the box — his second for the club since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund — and Raphinha, whose center-forward run was superbly picked out by Pedri, made it three before the hour mark.

    Nacho Ferri had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after for the visitors, but the scoring was not done. Barcelona remained hungry.

    Yamal added the fourth via a slightly fortunate free kick. It was his 12th goal in the Champions League, moving him one shy of Kylian Mbappé’s record of 13 in the competition as a teenager — a record that will soon likely fall into Yamal’s hands.

    After scoring, he peeled away to celebrate with Raphinha, who had just been taken off, by the dugout.

    “I know how Lamine can dip out of a game when things aren’t going well,” Raphinha said of the celebration. “I had tried to encourage him. I told him he was going to score to make sure he wouldn’t lose his focus.

    “In the end, he got his goal. I was really happy for him. He needed that goal. That’s how you build a winning team — when you’re happy for one another.”

    Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, but Barcelona went again. Yamal turned provider this time, delivering a pinpoint cross for Jesus to glance home. It was Yamal’s 101st goal contribution for Barcelona — he’s still 19 — and Barcelona’s 22nd goal of the season already. Not since 1950-51 (23) have they scored more at this point in a campaign.

    Defensive Questions Remain Amid Attacking Brilliance

    The argument will be that bigger tests await. Rodri, signed from Manchester City, has improved how they control games, but how much can he improve them defensively after no new defender arrived this summer other than attacking full back Cancelo?

    Those questions are for another day, perhaps. It’s easy to see why Barcelona might get carried away with the way Flick has his side purring in attack.

    “In a season as long as this, there are many ups and downs,” Raphinha added. “Starting the season like this obviously gives us a lot of confidence. Now we have to continue like this. We have to hope the downs are as small as possible.”

    Curiously, Raphinha was one of the big absentees when the 30-player shortlist was announced for the Ballon d’Or on Monday. Carry on like this and he won’t be missing next year.

    “I’m not talking about the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “I’m only talking about Barcelona. We’re having a spectacular season.”

  • Lamine Yamal and Raphinha Score Twice as Barcelona Thrash Opponents 5-0

    Lamine Yamal and Raphinha Score Twice as Barcelona Thrash Opponents 5-0

    Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both scored twice as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano 5-2 in La Liga.

    Source: www.bbc.co.uk

  • Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Hansi Flick says Barcelona are satisfied with their start to the 2026-27 LaLiga season, with two wins from two matches, while sporting director Deco continues to assess whether the squad can be strengthened before the transfer window closes.

    Speaking ahead of the meeting with Rayo, Flick also discussed Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, goalkeeper Tek, several emerging players and Barcelona’s plans for the final days of the market.

    Flick happy with Barcelona squad

    Flick said he is pleased with the quality and atmosphere within the squad, while stressing that Barcelona are under no pressure to make another signing.

    I’m happy with the team I have. Deco is working to see if he can strengthen it. But we’re under no pressure. So far he has done a fantastic job. For me, everything is fine. I see quality in training, and we’re doing well. We’re on the right track.

    He added that Deco is still exploring the market, but said the club’s current position is positive.

    Tek and Livakovic

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona remain satisfied with Tek and explained that Dominik Livakovic’s arrival is viewed as a move for the future.

    “We are happy with Tek, and Livakovic knows the situation. It is a signing for the future. We are happy with his signing”.

    De Jong’s progress and workload

    The Barcelona coach praised Frenkie de Jong’s improvement and quality, while warning that the club will need to manage his minutes during a long season that includes the World Cup.

    Let’s take it day by day. He has improved. The season is long and he is a fantastic player. I’m happy that he’s here, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives. We have to manage the load of minutes, there are World Cup players… we have to monitor and manage it, and everyone wants to play. But the team is the priority, neither me nor any individual player. It is the club.

    Bisiwu to continue with the reserves

    Flick said Bisiwu will train with the first team but continue playing for Barcelona’s reserve side, where he can keep developing his potential.

    I think his situation is clear. He trains with us but plays with the reserve team. He has potential. He is doing very well, but he can improve and I’m sure he will.

    Flick not focused on the Ballon d’Or

    Flick dismissed questions about the Ballon d’Or, saying his priority is Barcelona’s collective success rather than individual awards.

    “No, it’s not my job. Mine is already difficult enough without having to keep track of that. There are many good players on my team. I’m not a fan of these things. I’m concerned about the team; if it is successful, there are more chances of winning individual titles. There are world-class players and it isn’t easy to choose just one”.

    Team spirit remains central to Barcelona’s plans

    Flick said Barcelona’s objectives will depend on their ability to remain united throughout the season, rather than relying on one or two individuals.

    “In one season, many things can happen. But, as of today, we are doing well. Everything has to do with how we play as a team. It’s not about one player or two, it’s about being connected and being a team. The setting and the atmosphere are very good and we have to keep it that way. It is important to achieve our objectives. Team spirit is very important”.

    Raphinha’s role as a number nine

    Flick explained why Raphinha continues to operate as a central striker, highlighting his pressing, leadership, intensity and finishing ability.

    “As a number 9, he starts the press well. And he is a leader on the pitch. He has intensity. And in front of goal he does very well. That’s why he plays there. It’s not a problem for him. Fermín can also play there. He played the final minutes and also scored”.

    Hamza will receive more opportunities

    The coach said Hamza has earned playing time after an impressive pre-season and strong work in training.

    “No siempre es fácil, we think about giving minutes to those who deserve them, and he deserves them. He had a great preseason and trains well. He is doing very well in front of goal, and he also has the right mentality. He deserves to play and will get minutes. We have to give him opportunities to show his quality”.

    Rodri and Fariñas available

    Flick said Rodri has recovered from minor recent problems and is ready to start, although a final decision will be made later. He also praised Fariñas for his talent, fitness and versatility.

    “Rodri has had some minor issues in recent days, but he’s fine now. He’s ready to start, but we’ll see. Fariñas, like Hamza. He has surprised me a lot, he is an excellent player with a lot of talent, he is very fit and committed. He can play in several positions. There are many players in midfield, but he deserves to play some minutes”.

    Álvaro Cortés could leave Barcelona

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona are continuing to consider their options until the transfer window closes. He believes Álvaro Cortés needs regular football and that a move to Belgium could benefit the young player.

    We are always looking at what we can do, right up until the end of the market. All clubs do it. Álvaro has taken a step forward. At his age, he needs to play. It’s good for him to play in Belgium. Here he might not have the minutes he needs. And staying with the reserves is not an option.

    Barcelona transfer window plans

    Although Flick would prefer the squad to be settled before the season begins, he acknowledged that some decisions are outside his control.

    “I prefer to have everything done at the start of the season, but there are things I can’t change”.

    Flick backs Lamine Yamal

    Flick defended Lamine Yamal after concerns about the winger’s emotional state, saying the teenager remains on a strong sporting path following an injury, a World Cup appearance and a short holiday.

    It’s good that Lamine smiles, but every day is the same, I don’t smile every day either

    Always good to see a player smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t smile every day either. Everyone is worried about him, but he played in a World Cup after an injury. He had three weeks of vacation. He has played two matches; the first perhaps wasn’t the best, but I’m happy because he gives us more, creates chances… against Athletic he played the full 90 minutes, I saw him at a top level. Today he was excellent. He’s on a very good path. We have to support him, and I’m going to do it.