Leeds United have had some fabulous players in recent memory, despite the club only spending three of the last 21 seasons as a Premier League side.
No one in the Premier League was better for Leeds than Raphinha, with the club icon lighting up Elland Road for a few seasons before his big-money switch to Barcelona in the summer of the 2022/23 season. That campaign spelled the end for Leeds in the top flight, too.
Season Matches Goals Assists
2020/21 31 6 9
2021/22 36 11 3
Raphinha’s seasons at Leeds
He will be forever loved at Leeds due to his contributions. That came via goals and assists, but also his relentless energy and work rate as well. Pablo Hernandez may have been the man for a few years but the Brazilian hit heights no one has since the early 2000s at Leeds.
It has, therefore, been unsurprising to most connected with Leeds to see him go from strength-to-strength with the European giants and become a key player during their recent Champions League run. That came to an end last night but not before yet another goal for the 28-year-old.
Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images
Alan Shearer’s Leeds and Raphinha claim during Inter Milan vs Barcelona
Raphinha looked like he had found another winner when Barcelona battled from 2-0 down in the second-leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.
His 87th minute strike looked like winning it 3-2 before Francesco Acerbi’s late equaliser took it to extra time and Inter reclaimed victory in a 4-3 thriller. That meant it finished 7-6 on aggregate.
Speaking on Amazon Prime commentary, Alan Shearer made a baffling claim about the ex-Leeds star. He and Jon Champion discussed his time in West Yorkshire. Champion said: “31 goals this season for the former Leeds United player.
“He’s scored more goals now in this campaign than in his last three seasons put together. Oh, and 22 assists as well.”
Season Matches Goals Assists
2022/23 50 10 12
2023/24 37 10 11
2024/25 53 31 22
Raphinha’s seasons at Barcelona
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Alan Shearer, laughing, responded: “Not bad, is it? Not a bad season. Did you see that in him at Leeds?”
Champion replied: “Not to this level, no.”
Shearer agreed: “No, I didn’t. No. Though, there is certainly a talented player in there. Not as much as we’ve seen.”
Champion added: “Benedict Höwedes was making the point that Hansi Flick can find something in a player that maybe others don’t.”
For most people associated with Leeds, it was clear he was utterly brilliant and ‘out of the ordinary’, scoring crucial goals and conjuring up moments of magic from nothing to ensure survival. He was magnificent for the Whites.
Unfortunately, the latest means Leeds are likely to miss out on some serious cash regarding Raphinha.
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Raphinha matches record set by Cristiano Ronaldo
Raphinha has evidently hit higher heights with Barcelona since moving, with this seasons Champions League campaign making that apparent. He has overtaken one Lionel Messi record and also matched a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo, albeit in three extra games played.
Raphinha has equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign in the competition’s history.
Cristiano Ronaldo 13/14
◎ 11 games
◎ 17 goals
◎ 4 assists
Raphinha 24/25
◉ 14 games
◉ 13 goals
◉ 8 assists
Incredible. 👏 pic.twitter.com/bGiFWu9Ka0
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 6, 2025
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He has the most goal involvements in a season in the competition’s history. He also would have had the opportunity to go clear of Ronaldo had they reached the final. Having said that, not many Leeds fans envisaged just what Raphinha would become with the La Liga leaders.
His talent was undeniable at Leeds, but he is now right up there with the best players in world football.