Not many would have predicted Raphinha to go and have the season he is doing. The Leeds United hero had enjoyed two decent seasons at Barcelona prior to this one.
But this season, has been beyond words. Raphinha left Leeds in the summer of 2022 after winning and scoring a penalty in the 2-1 last-day win at Brentford to keep The Whites in the Premier League.
Having crawled the pitch on his knees, Raphinha then moved to Barcelona. A record of 45 goals and assists in 87 games during his first two seasons is certainly a solid record, but Barcelona wanted more.
Last summer, German boss Hansi Flick arrived at the Nou Camp after spells with Germany and Bayern Munich and it has transformed Raphinha. As has injury leading to Raphinha captaining Barcelona.
Junior Firpo confident that Raphinha will win the Ballon d’Or
In some ways, Firpo and Raphinha share similarities. Both have Leeds and Barcelona on their CV’s, which is a rarity and both have reason to celebrate this season – possibly both winning their domestic leagues.
Raphinha could go and earn Leeds a £10m fee if Barcelona win the Champions League and ahead of the semi-final second leg against Inter Milan tonight, Firpo is confident Raphinha will win the Ballon d’Or.
“Raphinha’s current form doesn’t surprise me. The season I played with him at Leeds, I could already see the signs of a great, great player. Physically, above all, he was incredible. Data that I’d never seen before.
“This season’s numbers are stratospheric. He’s doing things that make me very happy for him. Maybe he didn’t know he could reach this level. It was crystal clear that he was going to grow as a footballer.
“This season he’s found a healthy dressing room, he’s one of the captains and Flick has trusted him from the very first minute. If he continues at this level [he will win the Ballon d’Or],” Firpo told Marca.
Thierry Henry and Cafu say if Raphinha wins Ballon d’Or
Both again, have similarities to Raphinha. Henry is an Arsenal legend but also impressed while with Barcelona, while Cafu was a legend for Brazil on the right flank – something Raphinha is becoming.
Earlier this season, CBS Sports pundit Henry said he believes Raphinha will win the Ballon d’Or and is the current favourite. Cafu meanwhile, thinks Raphinha has deserved the award for some time now.
Raphinha has been astonishing for Barcelona, more so than he was for Leeds. But the Brazilian is going to reach new heights and Leeds fans can simply be proud that for two years, he wore the Leeds shirt.
