Barcelona’s early-season rhythm has found its sharpest edge in Raphinha, whose three goals turned Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Sevilla and underlined a striking new role at the front of Hansi Flick’s side. At the Estadi Olímpic, the Brazilian’s latest decisive display also came as the club moved towards confirming a new contract for one of its most influential players.
Key takeaways
- Raphinha scored all three Barcelona goals in their comeback victory over Sevilla.
- His contract extension has not yet been formally announced, although an agreement is considered settled within the club.
- Flick called the renewal the right outcome for Barcelona, highlighting the winger-forward’s bond with teammates and supporters.
- Raphinha has produced 14 goals and three assists in eight matches this season.
- Barcelona have used him centrally following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferrán Torres.
A central role in Barcelona’s new attack
Flick has pushed Raphinha into a mobile centre-forward position at the start of the campaign, and the return has been immediate. The coach praised both the Brazilian’s technical level and his contribution when Barcelona do not have possession, saying he was delighted with the player’s form.
“His level is extremely high,” Flick said. “We know his quality, and I am very happy. He is also doing very well without the ball.”
The tactical change has arrived during a summer transition in Barcelona’s forward line. Lewandowski and Ferrán Torres have left, while Gabriel Jesus has joined the Catalan club but is being introduced carefully. The Brazil striker has played four times so far and scored twice.
Raphinha’s ability to lead the line, drift into wider areas and remain a finishing threat has made him the immediate answer. His eight-game total of 14 goals and three assists represents an exceptionally productive opening, even by the standards he has set since arriving from Leeds United in 2022.
Renewal set to reward sustained influence
Barcelona have yet to publish the details of Raphinha’s extended deal, but sporting director Deco has already discussed the agreement at an event with club members. Flick welcomed the move after the Sevilla win, arguing that the player’s impact goes beyond his output on the pitch.
“It is the best decision for the club,” the Barcelona coach said. “You can see how he connects with the fans and with the team.”
Raphinha has recorded at least 20 direct goal contributions in every season since joining Barcelona. His strongest campaign came in 2024-25, when he scored 34 times and supplied 22 assists. He had already delivered strong numbers under Flick last term, but his conversion into Barcelona’s most advanced attacker has made this opening stretch even more emphatic.
