Barcelona’s early-season attack has found an unlikely centre of gravity in Raphinha. The Brazilian captain has embraced a central role under Hansi Flick, and his hat-trick in the win over Racing underlined a remarkable opening stretch for a side operating without a traditional No. 9.
The news from the club
Raphinha has scored 11 goals in seven matches this season, while adding three assists. His 14 direct goal contributions have helped Barcelona reach 33 goals across those seven games, placing the Catalan side among Europe’s most productive attacking teams at this stage.
Rather than occupying his more familiar wide position, Raphinha has increasingly played through the middle as Barcelona’s No. 9. He said the adjustment has brought comfort in front of goal and credited Flick with changing his outlook at the club.
“I feel good there and I am scoring goals,” Raphinha said. “I am comfortable playing as a nine. I have always said that Flick is the coach who changed my mentality at the club and the way I viewed myself. I am very grateful to him, and I will always try to show that.”
The Brazilian nevertheless placed the emphasis on results rather than his own scoring figures after the Racing victory. He said Barcelona must continue improving both individually and collectively, pointing to the squad’s appetite for more chances and more goals, as well as the unity visible on the pitch.
His current return represents the strongest scoring spell of his Barcelona career. He is 11 goals away from equalling his output across the whole of last season, although the present rate would produce an extraordinary projected total of 54 league goals and 18 assists.
Those projections remain a demanding target, but Raphinha has clear previous marks in sight. He can surpass the 18 league goals he recorded in 2024-25, while his 13-goal Champions League tally from that same campaign is another benchmark for a forward whose central role is rapidly becoming one of Barcelona’s defining features.
Headline: Raphinha finds his place at No. 9 as Barcelona’s goals flow
SEO title: Raphinha thriving as Barcelona’s No. 9 under Hansi Flick
Meta description: Raphinha has 11 goals and three assists in seven matches after adapting to a central role for Barcelona under Hansi Flick.
