
(foto: Getty Images)
Raphinha delivered a legendary performance to lead Barcelona's comeback against Celta—and now stands shoulder to shoulder with the greatest Brazilians ever to wear the blaugrana shirt.
When Barcelona signs a Brazilian, history shows it usually ends well—especially if their name starts with the letter R. Romário, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho… and now, finally, Raphinha.
It took time for the 27-year-old to find his full rhythm in Catalonia, but now that he has, the results are spectacular. In what could prove a season-defining comeback, Raphinha scored twice and delivered an assist in a dramatic 4-3 win over Celta, flipping a 3-1 deficit into pure Montjuïc delirium.
Raphinha converted the winning penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, sending the crowd into a frenzy—and even moved the typically composed Hansi Flick to sprint down the touchline and embrace his star man.
With this performance, Raphinha has now been involved in an astonishing 60 goals for club and country this season: 35 goals and 25 assists. That includes 30 goals and 23 assists for Barcelona alone—numbers that have him on track for the most prolific season by a Brazilian in the club’s history.
Only Ronaldo has matched it, with 60 goal involvements during his legendary 1996/97 campaign. Raphinha has already surpassed Neymar (56), Ronaldinho (48) and Rivaldo (47) in their best years with the club.
This isn't just a hot streak—it's a season for the history books. And with La Liga and Champions League hopes still alive, Raphinha’s story might not be finished yet. He's not just the latest ‘R’ in Barcelona's Brazilian alphabet—he’s becoming one of the most important.